Abstract
Introduction: There has been limited research on stalking behaviors in same-gender intimate relationships. Research has suggested that early abusive experiences represent relevant risk factors that may have a correlation with experiences of violence in intimate partner relationships. Methods: In this cross-sectional research, in 2016, lesbian and bisexual (LB) Italian women (N = 243) filled in a self-report questionnaire including ad hoc measures of childhood abuse and stalking behaviors. Results: Results indicated that LB women reporting higher levels of childhood abuse also reported higher rates of stalking behaviors in their adult same-gender relationships. Coming out as lesbian or bisexual individuals was not a factor related to rates of stalking. Conclusions: This study confirms the prediction that childhood traumatic experiences represent risk factors that may be related to LB women’s experiences of stalking in same-gender intimate relationships. Policy Implications: These results highlight the importance of spreading more knowledge of what is correct and incorrect to expect in an intimate relationship between women.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1530-1540 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Sexuality Research and Social Policy |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 17-Nov-2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec-2024 |
Keywords
- Bisexual women
- Childhood abuse
- Coming out
- Lesbian women
- Same-gender intimate partner violence
- Stalking