Domestic Violence and the LGBTQ Community
Because the majority of domestic violence awareness has focused on heterosexual relationships, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been largely left out of the movement. However, recent research shows that LGBTQ members fall victim to domestic and intimate partner violence at equal or even higher rates compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Sadly, 45% of victims do not report the violence they experience to police because they believe it will not help them.
The types of violence affecting the LGBTQ community is similar to heterosexual relationships in that 20% of victims have experienced some form of physical violence, 16% have been victims of threats and intimidation, and 15% have been verbally harassed. However, there are several aspects of intimate partner violence that are unique to the LGBTQ community.
The threat of “outing” a partner’s sexual orientation/gender identity can be used in abusive and violent relationships reducing a victim’s likelihood to seek help. Transgender individuals who are victims of abuse are more likely to experience threats or intimidation, harassment, and police violence.
Domestic and intimate partner violence does not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse.
Useful resources:
https://vawnet.org/sc/organizations-focused-dv-lgbtq-communities
http://www.stlavp.org/home.html
[Source: NCADV]