Sandra Dircinha Teixeira de Araújo Moraes, Alan Patricio Silva, Edson Santos Ferreira Filho, Caio Fábio Schlechta Portella, Leticia Galvão Santana, Pedro Augusto de Araújo  Costa, Isabel Cristina Esposito Sorpreso, José Maria Soares Junior, Edmund Chada Baracat

Abstract

Introduction: intimate partner violence and murder (IPV) among both heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ communities is a public health crisis in Brazil and worldwide. They are more vulnerable to the fulfillment of their basic human rights, including access to and care for public health services, especially the LGBTQIA+ community.

Objective: to systematically review the quantitative literature on the prevalence and correlates of IPV and murder in LGBTQIA+ populations by intimate partners and compare it with intimate partner violence and homicides in the non-LGBTQIA+/heterosexual population.

Method: systematic review with the MESH and DeCS terms between 2013-2023 in the research platforms Scopus; Pubmed; LILACS; Embase; BVS; APA PsycNet and SCIELO. The PECO (population, exposure, comparison and outcomes) strategy was used with the study population. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in the systematic search on the seven platforms to identify the peer-reviewed literature. Selection criteria: Quantitative literature on the prevalence and correlates of IPV victimization, perpetration, and murder or service utilization in LGBTQIA+ and heterosexual populations. There were no sample size restrictions. Data collection and analysis: Two independent reviewers performed data screening. One reviewer conducted data extraction using a structured database and a second reviewer checked for errors or omissions. Original studies were included, excluding reviews, letters to the editor, publications in proceedings, books and chapters, theses, and dissertations.

Results: black women and men were disproportionately affected, and alcohol and relationship conflict were the most frequent causes of IPV victimization in males and relationship termination in females. IPV victimization was associated with sexual risk, substance use, and mental health burden, especially in transgender populations. Abuse preceded homicide in the majority of cases, with nearly half of male suspects attempting or committing suicide at the time of intimate partner homicide. Women were more likely than men to use a sharp instrument, although firearms were still the most common means of killing for each group.

Conclusion: there is a significant gap in the literature regarding intimate partner murder of the LGBTQIA+ population when compared to the heterosexual population, which is also still insufficient.

Keywords: LGBTQIA+, heterosexual, intimate partner violence, sexual orientation, gender identity, healthcare disparities.

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