The present thesis explored the experiences and correlates of victimization among Chinese gay men and lesbians in Hong Kong with the aim at reducing their victimization experiences in future. This thesis had two studies. Study One was a cross-sectional study to examine correlates of victimization experiences. Based on the stress and coping paradigm, an integrated model on victimization experiences was developed. The model composed of three predicting factors of victimization experiences: predispositional stressors including gender role atypicality and internalized homophobia, cognitive appraisal variables including perceived discrimination and gay/lesbian community involvement, and sexual identity management strategies including counterfeiting, integration, and confrontation. A total of 645 Chinese gay men and lesbians in Hong Kong participated in this study. Results of path analyses showed that sexual identity management strategy of confrontation was the immediate correlate of victimization. Cognitive appraisal variables, including perceived discrimination and gay/lesbian community involvement, were also directly related to victimization experiences. Predisposition stressors, including gender role atypicality and internalized homophobia, were related to cognitive appraisal variables and sexual identity management strategies, which in turn predicted victimization experiences. The cross-sectional model was examined with four types of victimization experiences, including verbal insults, physical attacks, sexual assaults, and unfair treatment; and with gay men and lesbians separately. Results showed that the model was more predictive of physical attacks and sexual assaults of gay men. Based on the final cross-sectional model, a longitudinal model on victimization experiences and a psychoeducational program on sexual identity management strategies were developed. Study Two was a three-month follow-up study to examine the longitudinal model and to evaluate the effectiveness of the psychoeducational program on reducing future victimization experiences. A random sample of 392 participants from Study One was recruited to Study Two. Results of path analyses showed that victimization experiences at T2 (Time Two) were predicted by three longitudinal paths. Confrontation at T1 (Time One) had direct impact on confrontation at T2, which was linked to victimization experiences at T2. Victimization experiences at T1 predicted confrontation at T2, which was related to victimization experiences at T2. Victimization experiences at T1 had direct effects on victimization experiences at T2. Similar to the cross-sectional model, the longitudinal model was more predictive of physical attacks and sexual assaults of gay men. Results also showed that the psychoeducational program was effective in reducing participants' victimization experiences in future. Compared with the control group, participants of the psychoeducational program used less confrontation strategy, more counterfeiting and integration strategies from T1 to T2. Participants showed greater reduction in victimization experiences than the control group from T1 to T2. Compared with lesbians, gay men demonstrated greater reduction in victimization experiences after the psychoeducational program. Limitations and service implications of the studies were discussed. / Wong Chi Yan. / "August 2005." / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-01, Section: B, page: 0566. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 262-291). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

This study sought to explore and describe the recollections of young adults who were exposed to domestic violence within the family structure during childhood, so as to develop an understanding of the systems and structures needed to develop effective services to child victims of domestic violence. It is envisaged that services to these children could aid as an important preventative strategy, in that newly acquired behaviour and thinking patterns could assist them to defer from engaging in violent relationships, thereby, breaking the cycle of violence. The research study was conducted by means of a qualitative research approach and made use of the phenomenological, contextual, explorative and descriptive research designs. The purposive sampling technique was used and semi-structured interviews were employed to obtain the data. Tesch’s (cited in Creswell, 2009:186) proposed eight steps for data analysis were employed. Data verification focused on credibility/authenticity, transformability, dependability and conformability. It is envisaged that the findings and conclusions of this study could inform the planning of services to children exposed to domestic violence. / Social Work / M.A. (S.S.)