Unveiling the Correlates and Associated Factors of Cyber-Intimate Partner Violence (C-IPV) among Men and Non-binary Individuals

Background: Cyber-intimate partner violence (C-IPV) among men and non-binary individuals is an under-investigated public health concern. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C-IPV and examine its demographic, behavioral, relational, and digital-associated factors in Malaysia. Methods: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional online survey of Malaysian adults (N = 1,272) was conducted, comprising 1,224 males (96.2%) and 48 non-binary individuals (3.8%). Intimate partner violence (IPV) was screened using the Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST), and cyber-abuse was assessed via the Cyber-abuse Victimization Scale (CVS). Backward binary logistic regression and chi-squared analyses were applied. Results: The overall prevalence of C-IPV was 49.7% (n = 632). In the regression model, weekly alcohol consumption (once to twice a week) was the strongest associated factor (AOR = 6.76, 95% CI [3.61, 12.65]). Participants aged 46 and older had significantly higher odds of C-IPV (AOR = 4.93, 95% CI [1.16, 21.12]) than those aged 21 or younger. Relationship configurations also elevated risk, specifically non-egalitarian partner age gaps (partner 1–5 years older, AOR = 2.10; over 5 years younger, AOR = 1.68) and multiple concurrent partners (2 partners, AOR = 1.69; 3 partners, AOR = 1.83). High digital engagement significantly increased C-IPV odds, including daily browsing for 11 hours or more (AOR = 1.93) and updating accounts daily (AOR = 2.29) or weekly/monthly (AOR = 2.30), while smoking was associated with lower risk. Although non-binary individuals experienced significantly higher rates of physical, emotional, and sexual IPV than males, cyber-abuse manifestations did not differ by gender. Conclusion: These findings challenge youth-centric digital abuse assumptions, illustrating how relational dynamics, alcohol use, and intense digital integration compound risk. Inclusive, gender-sensitive interventions are urgently required.

Cyber intimate partner violence, Cyber abuse, Alcoholism, Non-binary gender, Social media

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