Understanding Risk and Protective Factors of Intimate Partner Violence Among Sexual Minority Women: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review offers the first comprehensive synthesis of factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) among sexual minority women (SMW), encompassing victimization, perpetration, and bidirectional violence. Following PRISMA guidelines, five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and PsycNet) were systematically searched for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Of 3,993 records identified, 20 studies involving 8,483 SMW met the inclusion criteria, all demonstrating acceptable methodological quality. A multi-level framework guided the analysis, identifying individual (sociodemographic, psychological, behavioral, and trauma-related), minority stress (internalized homophobia, discrimination, identity management), relationship (relationship dynamics, partner characteristics), and sociocultural (cultural and normative) factors. Minority stress emerged as the central risk domain influencing all IPV directions, linking both internalized and external stigma to heightened vulnerability. Bisexual women consistently reported higher IPV rates than lesbian women, and bidirectional violence was frequent, challenging traditional victim–perpetrator paradigms. Protective factors were markedly limited, with only socioeconomic status, education, and relationship satisfaction showing consistent effects. These findings underscore that IPV among SMW operates through unique identity-based and contextual mechanisms inadequately captured by existing heterosexual models. Future research should adopt intersectional, resilience-oriented, and culturally responsive frameworks to inform tailored prevention and intervention strategies. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024628444).