Individual, Dyadic, and Ecological Factors Associated With Intimate Partner Violence and Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Versus Non-IPV Crime

Research on intimate partner violence (IPV) and intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) largely focuses on individual and dyadic-level risk factors, though some have also explored environmental contributors. However, these do not compare indicators of IPV/IPSV with those of general crime in those same communities. To address these gaps, this two-part study was conducted. Data were retrieved from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, and other sources. Study 1 determined that aspects of gender inequality, specific socioeconomic variables, and health-related factors differentiated IPV/IPSV from community crime. Study 2 utilized multilevel modeling to investigate nested effects of IPV/IPSV within the larger community. Significant individual-level variables included younger age, different relationship types, and drug use. Community-level factors related to socioeconomics and children, firearm prevalence, and certain health-related factors were important when comparing IPV/IPSV. Prevention and intervention efforts should target health care access and screening, younger age groups, socioeconomic resources, and drug/alcohol and firearm use in IPV/IPSV.