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Coercive Control in Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence

NCJ Number
247503
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2014 Pages: 15-22
Author(s)
Andrew Frankland; Jac Brown
Date Published
January 2014
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study aimed to explore patterns of violence and control and examine the utility of typologies within same-sex domestic violence (SSDV).
Abstract
Contemporary approaches to intimate partner violence (IPV) have been heavily shaped by the primacy given to coercive control over physical violence and the use of typologies. Few studies have attempted to apply these approaches to same-sex relationships. This study aimed to explore patterns of violence and control and examine the utility of typologies within same-sex domestic violence (SSDV). Data from 184 gay men and lesbians on their experiences with aggressive and controlling behaviors within same-sex relationships was used to identify categories consistent with Johnson's typology. Over half of the sample were non-violent and noncontrolling, while 13.0 percent of respondents and 14.7 percent of their partners had engaging in situational couple violence (SCV). Smaller proportions (4.4 percent of respondents and 6.5 percent of partners) engaged in coercive controlling violence (CCV). Rates of mutually violent control (MVC) were high (12.5 percent). This typology was expanded to identify cases of non-violent control (NVC), which included 7.1 percent of respondents and 5.4 percent of partners. To date, no other studies have reported on the use of controlling behaviors within same-sex relationships. These data demonstrated the presence of patterns of control and violence consistent with categories originally identified in heterosexual couples. Data also supported the growing acceptance of the central role of coercive control in IPV. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.

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