Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Among Latino Sexual Minority Men: A Qualitative Description Study

Objective: Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) experience intersecting stressors due to the marginalization of their sexual and ethnic minority identities, elevating risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). However, there is little understanding of IPV among LSMM, especially concerning how IPV may differ in LSMM compared to heterosexual women, on whom most of the literature is based. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to begin identifying nuances in IPV among LSMM as a first step toward tailored measurement and intervention development. Method: Using a qualitative description approach, we conducted 23 semistructured in-depth interviews with adult LSMM in South Florida. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. The first 10 transcripts were analyzed using an inductive open coding approach, which were then clustered into themes. This inductive process yielded a codebook, which was utilized to code the remaining 13 transcripts. We reached data saturation at 21 interviews and conducted two additional interviews to confirm the emergent themes. Results: Seven themes emerged. LSMM participants described (a) overt power dynamics related to dyadic differences in age and ethnicity; (b) heteronormative constraints to help seeking; (c) the role of substance use in nonphysical aggression; (d) manipulation tactics to prevent survivors from leaving violent relationships; (e) threats related to immigration and citizenship status; (f) cutoff from sources of support; and (g) use of financial control. Conclusions: This study provides some of the first data on the nuances of IPV as experienced by LSMM. Findings suggest LSMM can experience IPV in ways that remain uncaptured by common IPV measures.