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This paper calls for a critical reframing of masculinity as an intersectional construct in the HIV epidemic and in public health. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of 56 Black men who have sex with men and women in the San Francisco Bay Area. Men described their sexual identities and practices via complex narratives of masculinity that drew on subordinated and resourceful adaptations to the structural effects of racism, economic marginalisation and homophobia. By focusing on men whose experience of masculinity operates outside fixed identity categories, the paper draws attention to the intersectionality that is, by necessity, constitutive of men's lived experiences. Findings suggest the value of an integrative framework for understanding Black masculinities as processes and practices simultaneously informed by structural inequalities (racism, economic marginalisation and/or homophobia, in particular) and cultural meanings of gender. By utilising an intersectional approach, public health and sociology can better understand the concurrent resilience and vulnerability of masculinities, while building an interdisciplinary understanding of the symbolic role of Black masculinities in the USA, as well as a means by which to promote health and well-being in and through these gendered contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents in-depth case study of a successful hybrid political and community organizing campaign to ensure equitable access to health care through the perspective of a grassroots San Francisco community-based organization, the Chinese Progressive Association (CPA), which has been organizing low-income Chinese immigrants for over four decades. First, it outlines the Health Care Security Ordinance (HCSO), which, since its passage in 2006, has established a near-universal health care access program, helping to make health care accessible and affordable to individuals living and working in San Francisco. Then it presents the campaign to save the HCSO, focusing on CPA’s participation in the HCSO coalition. Finally, it discusses health care as it relates to the San Francisco’s affordability crisis and the political economic context in which it is taking place. Despite the limitations inherent in small case studies like this one, it nevertheless provides a valuable opportunity to better understand how one politically progressive city attempted to address the problem of grossly inequitable health care access through the lens of community organizing, advocacy, and coalition building. San Francisco, like many major American cities today, is being confronted with rapid gentrification and growing economic inequality—the backdrop to the HCSO. Through innovative experiments in social responsibility like the HCSO, however, the city has made leaps in health care access. It concludes with lessons learned from local organizing and advocacy to save the HCSO as these may inform other local efforts to promote health care for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco denormalization is a widely accepted tobacco control strategy, shaping policies and programs throughout the United States as well as globally. In spite of widespread beliefs about the effectiveness of tobacco denormalization approaches, concerns about their emphasis on stigmatization have emerged. Social science research on smoking stigma raises questions about the potential iatrogenic consequences of tobacco denormalization approaches. Few studies have considered how smoking stigma may be internalized differently by different people, particularly those who experience stigmatization because of other socially ascribed makers of inequity (e.g. race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality). The intersection of multiple stigmas may work to intensify the ‘social isolation and marginalization’ that some people already experience. This paper presents results from a pattern-level analysis of focus group and interview data from a study investigating smoking-related stigma and perceptions of tobacco denormalization approaches among 15 low income Black women who smoke in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our analysis revealed a cycle where Black women’s experiences with structural oppression resulted in stress and the use of cigarettes to cope with that stress. Though the connection between smoking and stress is well documented in previous research, our analysis further revealed the additional contribution of the stigmatization of smoking and how it intensifies inequity for Black women who smoke. Implications of these findings for tobacco control and prevention are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although sex education is often provided to young people, there is a lack of spaces where adults can go to learn more about sex from experts in a free and welcoming environment. One place that provides an opportunity for adult sex education is adult sexual retail stores. While these stores aim to be commercially successful, they also fulfil a role of educating adults about sex and sexuality. This study explains how Good Vibrations (GV), a sex-positive adult sexual retail store company in the USA, disseminates sexuality education for adults. Using qualitative methods including observations, interviews and textual analysis, I show how GV serves as a coach to its patrons. The coaching framework described here promotes shared responsibility through inclusive and accessible education, highlighting communication and focusing on pleasure and positivity. This paper provides one of the first evidence-based accounts of how an adult sexual retailer educates its customers and provides a model for sexuality educators for all ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities have higher rates of substance use than other racial and ethnic groups. Substance use disorder (SUD) is tied to the increased risk of experiencing homelessness. National policies have also led to the disproportionate rates of homelessness among AIAN communities. However, specific experiences related to the occurrence of SUD and homelessness among AIAN in California, as well as seeking and accessing SUD treatment, are not well understood. This study explored potential SUD risk and resilience factors for AIANs experiencing homelessness and their experiences when seeking services for SUD. Nineteen interviews were conducted in northern, central, and southern California. Thematic analysis was used for these data. The five primary codes were: (1) risk factors for SUD, (2) resilience related to SUD service seeking, (3) services available, (4) barriers accessing services, and (5) services needed. Based on the results, themes for risk were trauma, mental health, and community conditions. Themes for resilience were identified at individual and community levels and included personal motivation and community support and inclusiveness. Themes for services available were limited knowledge about service types and services' location. The themes for barriers accessing services were identified at internal and external levels, and included lack of readiness and transportation challenges, respectively. Themes for services needed included continuum of care, integrated care, and culturally sensitive services. Findings highlight the importance of addressing the potential risk factors and service needs of AIANs experiencing homelessness to provide comprehensive and culturally sensitive services to reduce substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black Transgender women (BTW) are subjected to race and gender-based societal oppression, which makes them vulnerable to experience violence. The purpose of this study was to examine experiences of violence among BTW by centering their narratives. Ten participants from Los Angeles County were interviewed, and data were analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research, which yielded four domains; however, the current article focused only on the first domain, Types of Violence, and its six themes: (a) Transgender-specific microaggressions, (b) verbal harassment, (c) intimate partner violence, (d) physical violence, (e) sexual violence, and (f) incarceration. Recommendations for Transgender specific trauma-informed interventions and future directions to promote BTW healing are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relational cultural therapy tenets are based on feminist theory but can be used with male clients using cinematherapy. Falling Down, a movie about a middle-aged man in crisis during times of social upheaval in Los Angeles, is examined for the main relational images and their influence on the central relational paradox through narrative qualitative analysis. Codes for visual, auditory, and somatosensory aspects were applied and the frequency of co-occurrences calculated. "Home" was found to be the most significant relational image among the main male characters ensuing from the central relational paradox. The study shows how relational images can be examined and be applied in cinematherapy with male clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the social factors that contribute to the mental health challenges that Somali young adults endure. In a two-phase qualitative approach carried-out in the San Diego area, in phase-I, we conducted exploratory interviews with key-informants including clinicians and local Somali leaders (n = 7) who are familiar with the challenges of young Somalis. This information was then augmented through a focus group discussion with Somali young adults (n = 4) to gain further contextual knowledge and for access to the larger community of young people for phase-II. In this second phase, we carried-out individual interviews with 21 Somali young adults. Interviews covered topics including the social factors influencing their mental health, typical strategies for coping with psychological distress, barriers to seeking professional mental health services, and suggestions for combating mental health problems affecting young Somalis. Participant narratives indicate that psychological distress (depression and posttraumatic stress disorder) are highly pervasive, and that shame, acculturative stress and ethnic discrimination as well as parents' dismissive reactions to their children's emotional problems perpetuate mental health problems. Coping strategies included support from friends, religious activities, and playing soccer. Suggestions for addressing their challenges centered on engagement from their own community to advocate for mental health. Implications of this study are discussed in the context of bridging intergenerational and acculturation divides to deliver culturally competent interventions that improve the mental health and well-being of Somali young adults and aid them in their adjustment to the U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research about undocumented college students detailed structural barriers and derailed academic trajectories. However, education access policies in states like California have lowered barriers and increased enrollment. Research has presumed that undocumented students all view their legal status as a barrier which may now be more complex given changes in the policy landscape. I draw upon interviews with 30 students enrolled in a University of California campus to analyze how undocumented students perceived the extent to which legal status shaped their academic experiences. I argue that divergent perceptions were shaped by immigration policies, exposure to prevalent narratives, and the extent to which immigration status seemed consequential in students' experiences and identified three types: 1) students with disassociated perceptions ascribed to meritocratic views about academic success and did not consider their legal status a salient barrier; 2) students with dynamic perceptions demonstrated how perceptions can shift through an increased awareness of inequality following experiences with barriers and immigration policy changes; and 3) students with perceptions informed by an awareness of power understood that inequities are produced alongside multiple marginalized social locations. Importantly, perceptions informed by an awareness of power translated to navigational strategies with increased access to academic and socioemotional support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the opioid crisis, states and health systems are encouraging clinicians to use risk mitigation strategies aimed at assessing a patient's risk for opioid misuse or abuse: opioid agreements, prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), and urine drug tests (UDT). Objective: The objective of this qualitative study was to understand how clinicians perceived and used risk mitigation strategies for opioid abuse/misuse and identify barriers to implementation. Methods: We interviewed clinicians who prescribe opioid medications in the outpatient setting from 2016-2018 and analyzed the data using Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology. Results: We interviewed 21 primary care clinicians and 12 specialists. Nearly all clinicians reported using the PDMP. Some clinicians (adopters) found the opioid agreement and UDTs to be valuable, but most (non-adopters) did not. Adopters found the agreements and UDTs helpful in treating patients equitably, setting limits, and having objective evidence of misuse; protocols and workflows facilitated the use of the strategies. Non-adopters perceived the strategies as awkward, disruptive to the clinician-patient relationship, and introducing a power differential; they also cited lack of time and resources as barriers to use. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that clinicians in certain settings have found effective ways to implement and use the PDMP, opioid agreements, and UDT but that other clinicians are less comfortable with their use. Administrators and policymakers should ensure that the strategies are designed in a way that strengthens the clinician-patient relationship while maximizing safety for patients and that clinicians are adequately trained and supported when introducing the strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latino immigrant families in the child welfare system are more likely than their U.S. born peers to experience barriers to the supportive services their families need. These clients must engage with their social workers to overcome obstacles including communicative challenges, cultural differences, limited Spanish language referral services, ineligibility for public programs, and fear of government authorities. This study used interviews with Spanish speaking clients and social workers in one child welfare agency to examine clients' and workers' perceptions of their relationships and the barriers and facilitators of their work together. Our findings suggest that child welfare agencies might better support Spanish speaking clients and workers by adopting strategies to strengthen workers' cultural competency, to reduce barriers to referral services, and to provide appropriate supervision to Spanish speaking workers. These institutional supports are needed to support client-worker engagement and enhance service delivery for Latino immigrant families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homelessness remains a persistent problem in the United States, calling for continuing engagement to address this issue across the micro–macro social work practice continuum. Social work educators have an imperative to expose the next generation of practitioners to this complex social issue and provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge, values, and skills to tackle what the academy has identified as one of the grand challenges of our profession. This study offers a curriculum road map for a service learning opportunity, Homeless Connect, that is integrated into the BSW program at a private southern California university. Using qualitative survey data of undergraduate students who participated in Homeless Connect, the study explores how participation influenced student perceptions of homelessness and supports emerging practitioner development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a range of sources exist for marijuana users to acquire marijuana for medical or personal use, prior research on marijuana sources primarily focused on single sources. In this analysis, we longitudinally examined characteristics of multiple sources selected by marijuana users, motivations to use sources, and how a blend of marijuana sources accommodated users' needs. Young adult marijuana users (n = 60) in Los Angeles, CA, where marijuana has been legal for medical use since 1996, completed two annual qualitative interviews on marijuana use practices and sources between 2014 and 2016. Approximately two-thirds were medical marijuana patients and one-third was non-patient users. Participants reported acquiring marijuana from the following primary sources across two interviews: dispensaries and delivery services, private sellers in the illicit market, friends and family, and marijuana events/conferences. While patients with legal medical access to marijuana typically purchased marijuana from dispensaries or delivery services, they often supplemented from other illicit sources. Non-patients often accessed marijuana through dispensary diversion but also other sources. As patients became non-patients and vice versa during the study period, source type changed too. Broad access to marijuana via legal and illicit sources in this sample is indicative of societal trends towards normalization of marijuana use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory study examines how three types of fit (technical, cultural, and political) between an evidence-based practice and adopting organization explain fidelity in terms of quantity and quality of core components implemented. Using data from 20 supportive housing programs, fidelity was calculated using a quantitative scale and fit was coded using qualitative program director interviews. Relationships between fidelity and fit were tested with Fisher's exact tests. Cultural fit predicted both high quality and quantity fidelity, and technical fit predicted high-quality fidelity. Interviews provided qualitative examples of how fit influenced implementation. Study results provide preliminary support for the relationship between practice-organization fit and fidelity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using qualitative data-mining methods, this study analyzed 39 child welfare case records in order to identify examples of skillful practice. Conducted in partnership with a public child welfare agency in northern California, the study found that child welfare workers are implementing many of the practices promoted by statewide and national child welfare practice frameworks. Broad categories of skillful practice identified included: (1) effective communication by social workers, (2) support for client self-determination, and (3) active intervention strategies. Study findings provide support for incorporating case record review processes in training and supervision in order to integrate practice-based expertise with research-based evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies indicate prescription stimulant use for cognitive performance enhancement is normalized, contributing to increases in non-medical prescription stimulant use (NPSU) through peer recommendations and drug diversion. NPSU may follow users beyond their academic years to the workforce with some initiating use later in adulthood. Aims: Examine findings from a San Francisco Bay Area National Institute on Drug Abuse funded research project. Explore motivations to initiate and continue NPSU focusing on San Francisco Bay Area adults in the workforce. Analyze motivations for use and use practices within the American sociocultural context. We also examine consequences of use, including falling into the 'Adderall trap' – a cycle of using to perform, sleeplessness, then using again to wake up and perform. Methods: 67 in-depth interviews analyzed using Grounded Theory methods. Findings: Increased availability combined with pressure to perform and compete at work, facilitated decisions to initiate and continue use. Some also used recreationally to mitigate the effects of alcohol and prolong a night out. Conclusions: Cultural factors such as the pressure to perform in a society as the US valuing hard work, competition, and success motivate NPSU. In these cases, NPSU is not necessarily considered to be deviant, but rather following conventional values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overwhelming majority of youth in the child welfare system (CWS) have experienced trauma. This qualitative data-mining study of case records explores how trauma manifests in child welfare and how child welfare workers engage youth who have experienced trauma. Case records revealed that youth exhibit many signs and symptoms of complex trauma, however, most did not have a trauma-related mental health diagnosis. The records included examples of how child welfare workers utilized elements of trauma-informed practice. Findings support universal application of trauma-informed approaches in child welfare. Future research should explore these issues in case-matched child welfare and mental health records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This research project targeted the immersion of older adults with the use of technology to increase social participation and access to meaningful online information. Methods: A one-hour iPad/iPhone training course was implemented each week for seven weeks. Training sessions were multi-modal and included live demonstrations with step-by-step instructions, small group discussions, handouts to reference learning, and the use of a motivations-based occupational profile. Results: Outcomes in measures across all concepts were significant. Data corroborated showed that older adults were highly motivated to engage with new technologies, preferred certain features and learning styles, and had the capacity to retain novel information. Conclusions: Tailored training programs can offer new ways to engage older adults with technology. The researchers recommend a community-based model that offers older adults diverse modes of adjustment to retirement among the rapidly changing social and virtual contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on faith-based urban workers is limited despite the chronic and traumatic exposure inherent in their work. This study details the perception of positive interpersonal relationships during a time of trauma or crisis as described in semistructured 2- to 3-hour interviews with 13 faith-based urban workers in Los Angeles, California. Using strategies consistent with Consensual Qualitative Research, categories and subcategories defining positive interpersonal relationships were identified. Resulting categories suggested that there are specific characteristics, products, and types of relationships that urban workers experience as important during the time of trauma or crisis. Positive experiences were often religious in nature and included feeling supported, feeling connected, relationship growth, sharing and listening, authenticity, and feeling as through relationships facilitated personal growth or coping. The findings highlight participants’ need for both practical support and relational support which reflects and enhances their spiritual commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) has been relatively understudied particularly from the perspective of women of color. This study documents the experiences with partner sexual violence of ten Mexican-American women. Qualitative interviews were conducted using snowball sampling with women that had been in abusive marital relationships. A phenomenological approach was used and through a thematic analysis, participant narrative responses were synthesized into themes. All participants reported sexual coercion and violence in their marriages, yet most did not label those experiences as “rape” despite the threatening context in which these incidents occurred. Tacit, but not always explicit acceptance of machismo, patriarchy, and male dominance were common themes possibly increasing IPV risk. Results highlight the complex interaction between upholding cultural values on the one hand, and preserving individual well-being and safety, on the other, underscoring the need for more extensive culturally sensitive research, prevention and intervention efforts for abused Mexican-American women [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships between children-in-law (CIL) and parents-in-law (PIL) can be enduring sources o f delight or distress that influence the quality o f spousal relationships and grandparent-grandchild ties. Little research, however, examines CIL perceptions o f in-law relationships (ILRs) beyond the newlywed years. Drawing on the life course perspective and socioemotional selectivity theory, we hypothesized that marital duration would predict how frequently CIL encountered positive and negative PIL behaviors, and account for the degree to which these behaviors were appraised favorably or as problematic. A total of 179 individuals rated how often a target PIL provided informational support, instrumental support, emotional support, and companionship, and how frequently the target PIL was intrusive, rejecting, insensitive, and failed to help. The frequency with which both positive and negative in-law behaviors were experienced was predicted by marital duration (but not CIL age or PIL age), although quadratic and cubic marital duration terms were better predictors than the linear term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a qualitative study on retirement preparedness among middle-aged and older low-income Hispanics in Los Angeles. Data were derived from four focus groups conducted in the greater Los Angeles area. Findings demonstrate how behavioral and cultural factors—family experiences, religiosity, and denial of retirement—explain the lack of savings and preparedness for retirement. Findings also indicate that the majority of participants want to be economically independent and to keep working until they are unable to do so. Participants helped their parents financially but did not feel comfortable asking their own children for help. Instead, participants placed their survival in retirement “in God’s hands.” [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recent media accounts have highlighted issues of use and abuse of police force and policing practices targeted at ethnic minorities within inner city areas. To date, little research has focussed specifically on the experiences and perceptions of youth gang members in dealing with police. Using data from 253 in-depth interviews with ethnic minority San Francisco-based youth gang members, we examine perceptions of respectful and disrespectful police behaviour. Premised on a procedural justice model, we explore how frequently disrespectful police behaviour is reported and how these negative experiences shape gang members' attitudes towards the police more generally. We refine our investigation by comparing adverse encounters to examples in which gang members are treated respectfully. Using a data-driven inductive and qualitative theory testing deductive approach, our data revealed that male and female gang members regularly experience disrespectful police behaviour in terms of physical and verbal abuse. Our findings indicate that these exchanges contribute to negative attitudes, fear and distrust of police, while respectful interactions are meaningful and can contribute to positive attitudes towards officers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used a mixed-methods convergent parallel design to explore the effect of yoga on quality of life, trauma, and anxiety in low-income adults with mental illness. Participants included a convenience sample (N= 18) of parents at a community mental health agency who participated in a six-week yoga intervention. Participants completed standardized measures of quality of life, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) pre- and post-intervention. Focus groups were conducted to further explore barriers to and the effects of participation in the yoga intervention. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Tests indicated a statistically significant decrease in anxiety and PTSD after the yoga intervention, but no significant changes in quality of life or trait anxiety. Qualitative results reveal five themes related to participation in yoga classes, including barriers to participation and ways to improve the class. Qualitative results corroborate quantitative findings, suggesting improved relaxation and anger management for participants who strongly endorsed the benefits they experienced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian-Indians, one of the fastest growing US immigrant groups, experience depression and anxiety, particularly among women. In this mixed-methods study, quantitative (n = 217) and qualitative (n = 36) data explored egalitarian vs. traditional views regarding women's roles and rights. Bicultural integration, family planning decision-making ability, and anxiety were associated with more egalitarian views, while Punjabi language preference, depression, and more births were associated with traditional views. Health care professionals serving this population need to be aware of the potential cultural values conflicts and gender role expectations that influence decisions around reproductive health and mental health care for Asian-Indian immigrant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the qualitative results of semi-structured interviews with five established couples where one individual was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The interviews were designed to explore the effects of the initial diagnosis, the felt experience of the disease by both members of the couple, and the resulting impact on the couple’s dynamics. The aim of the study was to discover the issues unique to this situation, what successful management strategies these couples may have found, and thus to inform the future provision of couples therapies where AD is present. The primary findings support results found in other recent studies of couples encountering AD with some additional insights: (a) The actual diagnosis was very difficult to hear. An unexpected finding in this study was that the way the diagnosis was delivered was often more traumatic than the diagnosis itself. (b) All couples reported challenging issues of increasing dependency and marked changes in the balance of independent action for each partner versus shared responsibilities. In addition, couples shared their individual experiences of anger as a response to unfulfilled performance expectations, both by the AD patient and the well spouse. (c) This small study group saw travel, a common activity for older people, as maintaining “couplehood” in addition to its other benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Salud con Hyland's Project: Comienzo Saludable, Familia Sana [Health With Hyland's Project: Healthy Start, Healthy Family],was developed to provide education and support to Latina mothers regarding healthy infant feeding practices and maternal health. The promotora-delivered intervention was comprised of two charlas (educational sessions) and a supplemental, culturally and linguistically relevant infant feeding and care rolling calendar. Results indicate that the intervention increased intention to breastfeed exclusively, as well as to delay infant initiation of solids by 5 to 6 months. Qualitative feedback identified barriers to maternal and child health education as well as highlighted several benefits of the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present findings from two exploratory studies of San Francisco Bay Area women involved in illicit drug sales who saw both advantages and disadvantages to being women in traditionally male-dominated drug economies. We interviewed 160 sellers of street drugs and 50 sellers of prescription drugs during 2006-2009. Women perceived gender as a cover and managed their vulnerabilities by performing gendered actions and at times going against traditional gender expectations to protect themselves in harsh drug markets. The intersecting factors of race and type of drug sold played a crucial role, revealing the complex nature of women's social location in their drug-selling worlds. Study limitations are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine gender and meanings of risk in interviews (2007-2010) with gang-involved young men and women ( n = 253) engaged in illicit drug sales in San Francisco, California. The in-depth interviews from this NIDA-funded study were coded using the software NVivo to identify patterns and themes. We examine their interpretations of the risks of drug-selling and their narratives about gender differences in these risks. We find distinct discourses regarding the role of femininities and masculinities and male and female bodies in shaping risk as well as the nexus between gender, family, and risk for female drug sellers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maintenance of public “safety and security” drives the functioning of correctional systems, yet rarely addressed are the ways the individuals who work in such systems maintain their own psychological safety and security. In the tradition of practice-informed research, the author designed and implemented an exploratory, qualitative research study of former parole agents (N= 23) that aimed to understand how they experience their work. Findings suggest that parole agents recognized and held a fundamental tension between casework and law enforcement, were regularly exposed to intense affective experiences that influenced their practices, developed characteristic ways of managing the anxieties and stressors in their work, and found organizational dynamics to be sources of strain and sustenance. This article provides an overview of the study design and findings, as well as their implications for social work practice and practice informed research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Johnson's (2008) typology of domestic violence was conceptualized to explain the control context and presence of violence in intimate relationships. However, issues surrounding sexual assault in the context of intimate partner violence remain insufficiently addressed. The current study situates sexual assault within Johnson's (2008) typology because prior research has largely ignored it. Doing so is necessary to determine the utility of Johnson's categorizations. Using qualitative data from 134 intimate partner sexual assaults reported to Los Angeles law enforcement in 2008, the present study examines the control context and co-occurrence of physical and sexual assault, as well as the presence of non-physical coercive techniques, such as threats. Theoretical implications regarding the problems surrounding conceptualizing sexual assault vis-à-vis Johnson's categorizations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]