Risk and Danger among the “Invisible”: Bisexual IPV Victimization, Lifestyle Factors, and Feelings of Marginalization

This paper examines intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization risk of bisexual individuals compared with their straight and gay peers, highlighting the ways in which risky lifestyle factors and feelings of marginalization operate to increase risk. We theorize that both behavioral and stigma-related risk factors identified in previous work may be systematically different in the bisexual population compared to their straight peers, thus increasing IPV risk. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Wave 4, N = 14,415), we examine the extent to which risky behaviors and feelings of marginalization mediate the impact of bisexual identity on IPV risk. Findings suggest bisexual individuals are significantly more at risk for IPV (OR = 1.60) than their straight and gay peers. Their increased risk is explained by risky behaviors (e.g., drug use and number of partners), and feeling unloved. Adjusting for these mediators, the effect of being bisexual on IPV is reduced substantially (OR = 1.27) but remains significant. Understanding the unique stigmatization experiences and vulnerability of this population is critical for designing effective victimization prevention strategies. It is important to consider risk reduction strategies that may be uniquely important for bisexual adults and mitigating the burdens of stigma.

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Work Title Risk and Danger among the “Invisible”: Bisexual IPV Victimization, Lifestyle Factors, and Feelings of Marginalization
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. Maureen Outlaw
  2. Brent Teasdale
  3. Mindy S. Bradley
  4. Kim S. Ménard
Keyword
  1. Intimate partner violence
  2. Bisexuals
  3. Stigma
  4. Risky lifestyles
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. Victims and Offenders
Publication Date January 1, 2023
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.1080/15564886.2022.2137612
Deposited February 12, 2024

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Version 1
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  • Created
  • Added Outlaw_et_al__2023__Risk_and_danger_among_the_invisible_Bisexual_IPV_victimization.pdf
  • Added Creator Maureen Outlaw
  • Added Creator Brent Teasdale
  • Added Creator Mindy S. Bradley
  • Added Creator Kim S. Ménard
  • Published
  • Updated Keyword Show Changes
    Keyword
    • Intimate partner violence, Bisexuals, Stigma, Risky lifestyles
  • Updated