Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Health Among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Summary
Intimate partner violence (IPV) within relationships among men who have sex with men (MSM) represents a complex challenge at the intersection of social stigma, mental health and sexual health. Evidence has consistently shown that experiences of physical, sexual and psychological violence not only elevate the risk of depression and substance misuse but also foster engagement in high-risk sexual behaviours such as condomless anal intercourse. These behaviours in turn contribute to higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Factors such as internalised homophobia, minority stress and limited access to culturally competent services compound vulnerability. Globally, prevalence estimates of IPV among MSM range widely, but studies in both high- and low-income settings underscore its ubiquity and the urgent need for tailored prevention and intervention strategies. Programmes that integrate IPV screening into routine sexual health services, strengthen peer and community support networks, and address underlying social determinants have shown promise in mitigating adverse outcomes and promoting healthier, safer partnerships.
Research from Nature Portfolio
A 12-month prospective cohort study among MSM in an urban Chinese setting established a clear temporal link between recent IPV victimisation and elevated HIV seroconversion. Survivors of IPV were observed to have a more than fourfold increase in HIV acquisition risk, a relationship partly mediated by increased frequency of condomless anal intercourse and co-occurring syphilis infection. This work underscored the need to integrate IPV assessment and tailored counselling into HIV prevention frameworks, including prioritisation for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among those affected.
Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Health Among Men Who Have Sex with Men publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in intimate partner violence and sexual health among men who have sex with men across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Any act of physical, sexual or psychological harm by a current or former partner.
Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): A behavioural classification referring to males who engage in sexual activity with other males, irrespective of sexual identity.
Seroconversion: The period during which a person newly acquires detectable antibodies to an infectious agent, indicating recent infection.
Condomless Anal Intercourse (CAI): Anal sex without the use of a barrier condom, associated with increased transmission risk of HIV and other STIs.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): A preventive strategy involving antiretroviral medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
References
- Associations between Intimate Partner Violence and Health among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLOS Medicine (2014).
- Intimate Partner Violence Correlates With A Higher HIV Incidence Among MSM: A 12-Month Prospective Cohort Study in Shenyang, China. Scientific Reports (2018).
- Moderating effect of self-efficacy on the association of intimate partner violence with risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men in China. BMC Infectious Diseases (2021).
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