Ethnic differences in intimate partner violence in the U.S. general population: the role of alcohol use and socioeconomic status.
This article reviews cross-sectional and longitudinal research on ethnic differences related to intimate partner violence (IPV) in the U.S. general population and the role of alcohol use and socioeconomic characteristics. Evidence indicates that significant ethnic differences exist in the prevalence of IPV. Although ethnic minorities report higher rates of IPV, differences in crude rates are reduced after controlling for socioeconomic circumstances and alcohol use. However, Black couples appear to be at greater risk of IPV than their White or Hispanic counterparts even after controlling for such risk factors. Overall, socioeconomic characteristics,demographic characteristics, and alcohol use appear to play important roles in the occurrence of IPV. These findings suggests that IPV continues to be a significant public health problem and represents an area of health disparity for ethnic minorities.
Field
Craig A
CA
Dallas Regional Campus of the University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA.
Caetano
Raul
R
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology