Citation

Wathen CN, MacGregor JCD, Tanaka M, MacQuarrie BJ. Int. J. Public Health 2018; 63(8): 945-955.

Affiliation

Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children, London, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00038-018-1127-1

PMID

29868929

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has significant impacts on workers and workplaces. This paper examines the experiences of gender and sexual minority (GSM) people in this context.

METHODS: People aged 15 and older completed an online survey on the impacts of IPV at work, and brief health and life quality questions. Of 7918 respondents, 8.5% (n = 672) indicated GSM status. We examined IPV exposure, health and IPV-related work impacts by overall GSM status, and separately by sexual orientation, and gender.

RESULTS: GSM respondents were significantly more likely to report IPV and that the IPV continued at or near their workplace, impeded their ability to get to work, negatively impacted their work performance, and their co-workers; they also reported poorer mental health and life quality. While women were significantly more likely to report IPV and various negative work and health outcomes, being a sexual minority had additional independent negative effects. No differences in willingness to disclose IPV were found.

CONCLUSIONS: Workplace responses to IPV should account for the additional impacts and barriers faced by GSM people in disclosing abuse and seeking help.

Language: en

Keywords

Gender; Health; Intimate partner violence; Sexual orientation; Work