Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence: The Role of Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Social Norms

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive social and public health issue, yet societal responses to IPV are not uniform and are shaped by gendered and heteronormative assumptions. Research suggests that perceptions of seriousness, blame, credibility, and empathy toward victims vary depending on who the victim is, which in turn influences recognition of abuse and willingness to recommend help-seeking. However, limited qualitative research has explored how these perceptions differ across combinations of victim sex and sexual orientation. The present study investigates how individuals perceive IPV when the victim’s sex and sexual orientation vary. Using a qualitative vignette-based design, participants were presented with one of four IPV scenarios depicting: a heterosexual female victim, a heterosexual male victim, a lesbian female victim, or a gay male victim. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participants’ interpretations of the situation, perceived seriousness, attribution of blame, emotional responses, credibility of the victim, and perceived need for support and intervention. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and interpretive frameworks underlying participants’ responses. Findings highlight systematic differences in how IPV is perceived across victim groups. Gender norms, stereotypes about masculinity and femininity, and heteronormative expectations emerged as central factors shaping participants’ judgments. Male and sexual minority victims were more likely to face minimization, skepticism, or reduced empathy, while female victims were more readily recognized as credible and in need of support. These findings underscore how social norms and biases contribute to unequal recognition of IPV and may create barriers to help-seeking for certain victim groups. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of IPV perceptions and emphasizes the importance of inclusive frameworks in research, prevention, and intervention efforts. Addressing gender- and sexuality-based biases is essential for promoting equitable responses to IPV and ensuring access to support for all victims.