Same-Sex Relationship and Violence: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim: Same-sex relationships have been a taboo in society for a long time in history. There are several reasons for the prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBT community. There were very few researches which have been done on the topic and which were done were mostly based in the U.S.  This systematic review tries to study the prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBT community and the reasons for IPV, its effect on individual physical and mental health. Methods: Seven electronic databases were searched using the terms related to Same-sex intimate partner violence OR, SSIPV OR, LGB intimate partner violence OR, LGB IPV; Same-sex and violence OR, LGBT violence; Lesbian violence; Gay violence; Bisexual violence; Minority stress. Results: Findings suggest that the lifetime prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence in LGBT is as high or higher than the general population. Conclusion: The results demonstrate high or higher IPV in the LGBT community compared to general populations, there are a lot of reasons for this high prevalence, some of these are taboo about same-sex relationships and homophobia present in society due to which they have to face a lot of prejudices and discrimination. This high rate of violence has highly affected mental health and physical health, which also has led to a high prevalence of drug and alcohol use among the LGBT community.