Exploring intimate partner violence and mental health outcomes among lesbian and bisexual college women in India: A cross‐sectional study

Verma, Shankey ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2833-1840, Palit, Manjushree ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2810-9115, Murry, S. D. and Mittal, Mona (2026) Exploring intimate partner violence and mental health outcomes among lesbian and bisexual college women in India: A cross‐sectional study. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. ISSN 0020-7292 (In Press)

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Abstract

Abstract Objective

This study estimates the prevalence of various forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) and examines their associations with depressive and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among lesbian and bisexual women (LBW) in India.
Methods

This cross‐sectional online survey included 53 self‐identified LBW college women in India. Participants were recruited through social media platforms, instant messaging applications, and student listservs. Interested participants were invited to complete an online survey assessing IPV experiences and symptoms of depression and PTSD.
Results

Overall, 58.5% of participants reported experiencing at least one form of IPV. Psychological IPV was most prevalent (49.1%), followed by digital IPV (34%), physical IPV (28.3%), injuries (26.4%), and sexual IPV (26.4%). Approximately 26.4% of participants met the threshold for probable depression and 30% for probable PTSD. Correlational analyses revealed significant associations between various forms of IPV and symptoms of depression and PTSD. Negative binomial regression analyses indicated that experiencing IPV, particularly psychological and digital IPV, was associated with higher levels of depressive and PTSD symptoms.
Conclusion

This exploratory study observed substantial IPV prevalence among lesbian and bisexual college women in India, highlighting its impact on mental health symptoms. Targeted interventions designed to address both IPV and its associated mental health consequences can potentially enhance help‐seeking behavior within this vulnerable population.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Social Sciences and humanities > Psychology > Social Psychology
Social Sciences and humanities > Psychology > Clinical Psychology
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Gender Studies
Depositing User: Mr. Syed Anas Ali
Date Deposited: 18 Jun 2026 08:55
Last Modified: 22 Jun 2026 04:35
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.71124
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/11712

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