Situations of social exclusion as a vulnerability factor for gender-based violence in intimate relationships: Structural inequalities and gender power relations

Based on evidence that, in situations of exclusion, the prevalence of gender-based intimate partner violence increases, this paper analyses the dynamics of the link between these circumstances. To this end, 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with women survivors. They revealed two different routes: being in a situation of exclusion could be a triggering factor or a result of such violence. In this paper a detailed analysis of the first route is provided and a series of elements that could be a triggering factor of violence are identified. These are categorised into two groups: on the one hand, factors that condition the process of formation of couples; on the other hand, factors that facilitate the emergence of gender-based intimate partner violence in an already established intimate relationship. Among the first should be noted: the presence, in certain situations of exclusion, of masculinity role models in which aggressiveness and violence gain special relevance; and the existence of diverse circumstances that force women to start a relationship and, in this way, put them in a position of increased vulnerability in it. Among the second should be noted: the lack of family and social support, that increases women's powerlessness; the effects of the accumulation of difficulties in diverse spheres; the male abuse of drugs; and the presence of an environment which, sometimes, does not disapprove the use of gender-based intimate partner violence. The novelty of the analysis performed herein resides in its reference to the notion of social exclusion and in the importance attributed to gender power relations when analysing the aetiology of violence. In other words, at all times the role of the aforementioned factors is interpreted in the light of the structural background of unequal gender relations in which it operates and without which their effect would necessarily differ.