Seeking solace in gambling_The cycle of gambling and intimate partner violence against women who gamble_CQU.pdf (699.52 kB)
Seeking solace in gambling: The cycle of gambling and intimate partner violence against women who gamble
journal contribution
posted on 2023-07-03, 03:48 authored by Nerilee HingNerilee Hing, Lydia MaineyLydia Mainey, Catherine O’Mullan, Elaine NuskeElaine Nuske, Nancy GreerNancy Greer, Anna Thomas, Helen BreenThis study explored women’s gambling in response to male intimate partner violence
(IPV). Twenty-four women were recruited through service providers and online advertising. All women had been victimised by IPV and all experienced problems relating to the
gambling on electronic gaming machines (EGMs). Thematic analysis of their in-depth
interviews identified three major themes. The main pattern of gambling and IPV (Theme
1) was where ongoing coercive control preceded the woman’s gambling. Situational violence in response to gambling was also observed. Regardless of temporal sequence, a selfperpetuating cycle of gambling and IPV victimisation was typically apparent, with both
issues escalating over time. Reflecting severe traumatic violence, push factors from IPV
that motivated the women’s gambling (Theme 2) included physical escape, psychological
escape, hope of regaining control over their lives, and gambling to cope with the legacy
of abuse. Pull factors attracting these women to gambling venues (Theme 3) appeared to
have heightened appeal to these victims of IPV. These included venues’ social, geographic
and temporal accessibility, allowance for uninterrupted play on EGMs, and the addictive
nature of EGMs. These push and pull factors led to these women’s prolonged and harmful gambling while exacerbating their partner’s violence. Concerted efforts are needed to
assist women in this cycle of IPV and gambling, prevent violence against women, and
reduce harmful gambling products and environments.
Funding
Category 2 - Other Public Sector Grants Category
History
Volume
39Issue
2Start Page
795End Page
812Number of Pages
18eISSN
1573-3602ISSN
1050-5350Publisher
SpringerPublisher License
CC BYPublisher DOI
Additional Rights
CC BY 4.0Language
enPeer Reviewed
- Yes
Open Access
- Yes
Acceptance Date
2022-05-08External Author Affiliations
Southern Cross UniversityEra Eligible
- Yes