Sexual Coercion in a Sample of Puerto Rican Gay Males

Abstract

Sexual coercion as part of the cycle of domestic violence represents a serious threat for HIV infection among partners in general, and gay and bisexual men in particular. This study examined the experiences of Puerto Rican gay men with domestic violence and sexual coercion in the context of the HIV epidemic. A self-administered questionnaire was obtained from a sample of 302 Puerto Rican gay males, 49% of whom reported having a steady partner. Forty-eight percent (48%) reported experiences of emotional violence in their relationships, 26% reported physical violence, and 27% reported sexual violence. There was a positive correlation between being anally penetrated without a condom, the need to please the partner, and being HIV positive. Findings suggest that the manner in which violence is constructed and perceived in men may be related to vulnerability for violence and possibly HIV infection.

Key Words:

• Sexual coercion
• gay men
• men who have sex with men
• domestic violence
• HIV prevention