What’s Sex (and Gender) Got To Do With It? The Impact of Gender and Sexual Identity on IPV Risk Among College Students

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among young individuals (i.e., age 25 and lower), and a growing body of literature demonstrates high rates of IPV among LGBTQ+ individuals. The current study explores how sexual and gender identity influences IPV risk among college students. The study uses data from the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment III (ACHA-NCHA III) Spring 2021 administration to examine the effects of gender and sexual identity on risk of physical, emotional, and sexual IPV victimization, as well as overall IPV risk. The ACHA-NCHA III data are based on a national sample of 96,489 college students and includes measures of various lifestyle factors, which allowed for the inclusion of several known correlates of IPV victimization (e.g., substance use, Greek affiliation, and disability status). Findings suggest that IPV risk varies across gender and sexual identity with evidence highlighting higher risk among individuals whose gender identity clearly conflicts with traditional gender norms (e.g., transwomen). Results also show higher risk among bisexual or pansexual women, compared to heterosexual and lesbian women. Overall, the current work highlights the importance of disaggregating IPV types when exploring victimization risk, as well as the need to explore the impact of diverse gender and sexual identities on IPV experiences. These findings present implications for culturally specific programming and services for victims who are LGBTQ+.

Keywords

intimate partner violence LGBTQ+victimization gender sexual identity

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