Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #110071

Eric Houston, MA¹, David J. McKirnan, PhD¹, Anna K. Veluz, BA¹, Kellie Dyslin, BA², Christine Holland, BA¹, and Laura Hosto, MSEd, LCPC². (1) Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Mail Code 285, Chicago, IL 60607-7137, (773) 294-9404, ehoust1@uic.edu, (2) Department of Research, Howard Brown Health Center, 4025 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60613

Little is known about the patterns and types of domestic violence [DV] experienced by gay and bisexual men. We assessed patterns and forms of domestic violence in a cross-sectional survey sample of 838 men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Chicago area. Overall, 32% (n=261) reported any form of DV in a past or current relationship; 21% (n=165) reported a history of verbal abuse (“threatened physically or sexually, publicly humiliated, or controlled”), 20% (n=155) reported physical violence (“hit, kicked, shoved, burned, cut, or otherwise physically hurt”), and 18% (n=147) reported unwanted sexual activity. Fifty-five percent of men reporting any history of DV reported more than one form. Age and ethnic group were unrelated to reports of DV (c²s(1, n = 739) < 4.1, p> .05), although men reporting recent unprotected anal sex were more likely to also report abuse, c² (1, n=817) = 7.7, p<.01, OR=1.5, 95% CI=1.1 – 2.1. Fifty-three percent (n=434) reported being in a current primary relationship, 16% of whom reported ongoing DV: 8% verbal, 8% physical, and 8% sexual. DV status was associated with both depression and drug problems (c²s (1, n=762) > 8.5, p<.01). We discuss psychosocial issues faced by gay and bisexual domestic violence victims as they may pertain to interventions among this group.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Describe the prevalence of different types of domestic or intimate partner violence among urban, gay and bisexual men.
• Identify demographic and psychosocial characteristics of MSM who are more likely to report DV.
• Discuss potential intervention applications of data regarding DV among gay and bisexual men.

Keywords: Domestic Violence, Gay Men

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.