Experiences of men who have been subject to intimate partner violence in same sex relationships

Intimate partner violence (IPV) may be more prevalent in male same sex relationships than in heterosexual relationships, with prevalence studies estimating that 34-45% of men in same sex relationships ever experience IPV. Men who experience IPV from same sex partners have increased risks of mental illness, substance misuse and transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Whilst there is some evidence that examines IPV among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) it is predominantly undertaken from a heteronormative perspective using standardised definitions. Such positionality limits the possibility of the evidence base understanding same sex IPV from the perspective of the persons lived experiences, silencing these voices within the policy and practice context. Tha aim of the study is to better understand how men who self-identify as having been subject to intimate partner violence (IPV) within a same-sex relationship dynamic conceptualise their experiences. This is spefically to understand the uniqie relationshop factors, types of abuse, impact on wellbeing and barriers/facilitators for accessing help from services. This qualtitative study will use individual virtual based narrative designed interviews with 10-12 GBMSM who have previously been subject to same-sex relationship IPV.