Psychology of Violence, 2021, 11(5): 429-433

Objective: Worldwide, almost one in three women experience sexual or physical intimate partner violence (IPV), which can result in significant negative health effects. These prevalence rates are unevenly distributed across the globe—indicating the potential role of sociocultural factors. Previous research has assessed (a) associations between IPV constructs like attitudes or laws within countries and (b) the effect of economic development on IPV across countries. We sought to extend these findings by assessing the potential higher order effects of economic development on the associations between IPV and its sociocultural correlates. Method: We used secondary country-level statistics compiled by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to assess the sociocultural correlates of IPV in a sample of 98 countries. We tested hierarchical associations using multilevel models. Results: Countries with higher incomes had lower prevalence rates of IPV, better attitudinal norms toward IPV, and better laws regarding violence against women. A country’s attitudinal norms toward IPV—but not its laws—significantly predicted its prevalence of IPV. However, the association between attitudinal norms and prevalence could primarily be accounted for by the country’s economic development classification. Conclusions: We corroborated previous research regarding the worldwide prevalence of IPV and showed how some sociocultural correlates of IPV are more nuanced when considering higher order factors. We recommend that researchers interested in examining sexual Objective: The growth of the #MeToo movement suggested the beginnings of a sexual violence reckoning. Despite the global reach of this movement, changes in the ways in which societies understand and respond to sexual violence remain in their early stages. It is also apparent that our understanding of the impact of sexual violence, how survivors recover, and the factors that affect sexual violence vulnerability is extremely limited within certain contexts and populations. However, such work is critical in spurring meaningful societal changes. The purpose of this special issue of Psychology of Violence is to highlight research in three key understudied areas: sexual violence among marginalized populations, the role of macro/meso/exosystem factors in affecting sexual violence risk and recovery, and the global prevalence of sexual violence. Method: This special issue consists of seven empirical and review articles that address sexual violence among marginalized populations including LGBQ+ individuals and Arab Americans; the role of factors at the macro/meso/exosystem levels in affecting sexual violence risk and recovery, including attitudes, laws, and environmental stressors; research assessing the prevalence of sexual violence in different global regions. Results: The included articles delineate the complexities in understanding sexual violence across populations and contexts, provide key novel insights into our understanding of several aspects of sexual violence, as well as identify key gaps in our understanding. Discussion: This special issue is intended to spur future research that will be informative in the development of interventions seeking to eradicate sexual violence and support survivors' recovery worldwide. (Authors' abstract). Record #7305