1. Statistics Globally, one in three women experience domestic violence. 21.60% of heterosexual women have experienced intimate partner violence, compared to 51.99% of bisexual women. 11.38% of heterosexual men have experienced intimate partner violence, compared to 26.94% of gay men. Women between the ages 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence. Same-Sex Relationship According to a study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence (September, 2012), titled Sexual Orientation Disparities in History of Intimate Partner Violence: Results From the California Health Interview Survey by Naomi G. Goldberg, and Ilan H. Meyer, persons who identify as LGBTQ do not experience domestic violence at the same rates as heterosexual persons. Across the board, men and women in same-sex relationships or who identify as Lesbian/Gay, or Bisexual are at a higher risk for experiencing domestic violence. Gay men are 2.5 times more likely to experience intimate partner violence than heterosexual men, and bisexual women are 3 times more likely to experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. The interesting aspect about bisexual women's experience with intimate partner violence is that mostly they experience violence when in a relationship with a man. Myth Busters Myth #1 Boys are less traumatized than girls by the experience of abuse. Several studies have proven that long-term effects are damaging regardless of sex or gender. Myth #2 Abuse is caused by alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drugs do not cause someone to become aggressive. However, abusers may use alcohol and drugs as an excuse for their attacks. Myth #3 People stay in abusive relationships because they like it. People stay in domestic violence situations for many reasons, they may not feel safe leaving because they have been threatened by their partners; they may not have the economic resources or a place to go; often they have tried to leave multiple times and have not been successful yet. On average, a woman tries to leave between 5-7 times before she is successful. Myth #4 Abusers are violent in all their relationships. Abusers choose to be violent to their partner and hurt them in ways they would never hurt someone else. Their violence is about control of the person. Myth #5 The victim did something to provoke the violence. No one deserves to be abused emotionally, or physically. Abusers rarely admit that they are the cause of the problem. The abuser chooses to be violent and therefore is fully responsible for it. Kasi Johnson and Kristine Drost Gender-Based Violence Program, Winona State University The Power and Control Wheel Intimate Partner Violence The Cycle of Abuse Definition: Intimate Partner Violence covers a wide array of behaviors which includes physical and sexual abuse, as well as emotional and psychological manipulation and cruelty. Women’s Resource Center Location: 77 E 5th St, Winona, MN During business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Call 507-452-4440 During non-business hours, Call 507-452-4453 Winona State University’s Integrated Wellness Complex Women’s Resource Center Location:Call 507-452-4440 During non-business hours, Call 507-452-4453 Resources Available Love the Way You Lie By Rihanna and Eminem: What messages about abuse does this video communicate to you? Abusers are the only ones responsible for each and every act of violence. Understanding Why Not Human Nature Domestic violence is a learned behavior through observation, experience, culture, and family. Anthropological research has proven that domestic violence is essentially nonexistent in some societies, meaning that it is not inherent human behavior. Media: What do these two advertisements communicate to you? Self-Reflection 1. What content stands out to you on the power and control wheel? 2. Now that you know about intimate partner violence, do you see this in media and our culture? How do you feel about it? 3. How can you apply this information in your current life? Do you: Feel afraid of your partner often? Avoid certain topics out of fear? Feel you can’t do anything right for your partner? Feel numb or helpless? Wonder if you are the crazy one? Believe you deserve to be hurt or mistreated? Does your partner: Humiliate, criticize, or yell at you? Ignore or put down your opinions? See you as property or sex object, rather than a person? Act jealous? Constantly text or call you? Have a bad or unpredictable temper? Threaten to destroy your belongings? Blaming you for your problems or issues? Red Flags of Intimate Partner Violence