Relationship Power Dynamics and Financial Dependence Among Sexual Minority Men in Relationships: Associations With Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Sexual minority men (SMM)’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) are a unique and understudied area of study, especially with regard to financial dependence. We explored how power imbalances within couples are associated with IPV victimization and perpetration among SMM, specifically with regard to relationship power dynamics in daily decision-making in couples and financial dependence. Of 423 participants, 33.8% reported experiencing IPV victimization (repeated:21.0%) and 24.3% reported perpetrating IPV (repeated:14.9%). Repeated IPV perpetration was more prevalent among participants who held more power in daily decision-making, while those with partners with greater power were more likely to experience IPV victimization at least once. On the other hand, any type of financial dependence, whether one-way or mutual, was associated with higher likelihood of both IPV victimization and perpetration, challenging assumptions that only dependence on a partner is associated with IPV victimization. These results highlight the critical role of relationship power dynamics and financial dependence in shaping IPV risk among SMM. Our findings underscore the need for more nuanced approaches to understanding economic dynamics in SMM relationships and for public health and clinical strategies that address the complex intersections of power dynamics, financial dependence and IPV.