Patterns in Relationship Violence Among African American Women: Future Research and Implications for Intervention

John K Williams; Gail E Wyatt; Hector F Myers; K Nicole Presley Green; Umme S Warda

doi:10.1080/10926770801925726

Patterns in Relationship Violence Among African American Women: Future Research and Implications for Intervention

J Aggress Maltreat Trauma. 2008;16(3):296-310. doi: 10.1080/10926770801925726.

Authors

John K Williams¹, Gail E Wyatt², Hector F Myers³, K Nicole Presley Green⁴, Umme S Warda⁵

Affiliations

¹ Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA and is Associate Director, UCLA Sexual Health Program.
² Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA and is a Clinical Psychologist and Sex Therapist. Dr. Wyatt is also Director, UCLA Sexual Health Program and Principal Investigator and Director, UCLA Center for Culture, Trauma and Mental Health Disparities.
³ Clinical Area Chair of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA and is Co-Principal Investigator, UCLA Center for Culture, Trauma and Mental Health Disparities.
⁴ University of California, Los Angeles, Student Psychological Services, Los Angeles, CA and has worked as research associate in the UCLA Sexual Health Program. Dr. Green is also Adjunct Faculty, Marriage and Family Therapy program, University of Southern California Rossier School of Education.
⁵ University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA.

Abstract

The impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on those most at risk, HIV-positive women of color, has received little attention. This study examined IPV in HIV-positive and HIV-negative African American women. Victim characteristics and factors contributing to IPV and psychological sequelae were identified. Structured interviews were administered and analyzed at baseline, at 6 months, and at 12 months. HIV-positive women were less educated, were less employed, had lower incomes, had more depressive symptoms at all time points, and were more likely to report IPV at baseline and 6 months compared to HIV-negative women. Among HIV-positive depressed women, those reporting IPV were more depressed than those without IPV. Suggestions for studies with couples examining relationship dynamics, including risks for IPV and HIV transmission, and for interventions are discussed.

Keywords: African American women; HIV/AIDS; child sexual abuse; depression; intimate partner violence.

Grants and funding

R01 MH054965/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States