Coping with intimate partner violence: An interview study with women who gamble

View Open Access Article View Snapshot Back to Search Results

snapshot summaries

Author(s): Hing, Nerilee ; Mainey, Lydia ; O'Mullan, Catherine ; Nuske, Elaine ; Greer, Nancy ; Thomas, Anna ; Breen, Helen

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2022

Date Added: September 06, 2022

Many women who gamble are victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). They may gamble to cope with the trauma and stress of IPV. Furthermore, gambling venues are often seen as safe refuges for women experiencing IPV. The aim of this study was to shed light on women who cope with IPV through gambling. The researchers also wanted to know why gambling venues are attractive to this population. The researchers interviewed 24 women who gambled problematically and who had experienced IPV. The researchers found two patterns of gambling and IPV. One of these patterns was where women gambled in response to IPV. The other pattern was where gambling preceded the IPV but also triggered more violence. The researchers then identified push factors related to IPV that motivated gambling, and pull factors that attracted women to gambling venues.

Citation: Hing, N., Mainey, L., O’Mullan, C., Nuske, E., Greer, N., Thomas, A., & Breen, H. (2022). Seeking solace in gambling: The cycle of gambling and intimate partner violence against women who gamble. Journal of Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-022-10134-6

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-022-10134-6

Keywords: abuse ; Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs) ; family violence ; gambling disorder ; gambling harm ; harmful gambling ; intimate partner violence ; problem gambling ; women

Topics: Comorbidities ; Domestic and Inter-Partner Violence ; Game Types ; Information for Operators ; Slots and VLTs

Conceptual Framework Factors: Environment - Social and Economic Impacts ; Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Cultural - Gender ; Psychological Factors ; Cultural Factors ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Psychological - Coping Styles ; Gambling Environment ; Gambling Resources

Study Design: Qualitative: Content Analysis

Geographic Coverage: Australia

Study Population: 24 women who were victimized by intimate partner violence and who experienced problems related to their gambling on electronic gaming machines

Sampling Procedure: Voluntary response sampling. Participants were recruited from service providers working in family violence, relationship counselling, gambling help, financial counselling; and paid advertisements on GoogleAds and Gumtree

Study Funding:

This study was funded by the Australian Government and the Australian state and territory governments.