Disclosure of intimate partner violence among gay and bisexual men: A narrative inquiry

This study explored the barriers and facilitators experienced by gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Scotland when recognising, help seeking and disclosing intimate partner violence (IPV). Using a narrative inquiry approach, we conducted in depth interviews with 10 GBM survivors to understand their lived experiences of IPV and the influences on accessing support. Participants described IPV as multifaceted, encompassing coercive control, psychological, physical, sexual, and financial abuse, often normalised or overlooked due to societal stigmas and heteronormative frameworks. A three-level framework emerged from the analysis, identifying barriers and facilitators in IPV recognition, help-seeking, and systemic service responses. Key findings revealed the invisibility of GBM IPV within dominant social and service narratives, fears of judgment or misrecognition during help-seeking, and a lack of tailored, culturally safe support. Facilitators of disclosure included GBM affirming environments, empathetic professionals, and accessible pathways, particularly in sexual health clinics. The study underscores the urgent need for services to adopt inclusive practices, improve professional training, and integrate GBM-specific support frameworks. These findings contribute to addressing critical gaps in IPV responses, advancing culturally safe interventions for GBM survivors within Scotland and beyond.