LGBTQ and Domestic Violence
- 1 out of 4 to 1 out of 3 same sex relationships have experienced domestic violence. (Compare with 1 out of 4 heterosexual women)
- In 2012 fewer than 5% of LBGTQ survivors of intimate partner violence filed for an order of protection.
- In a study of male same-sex relationships only 26% of men called the police for assistance after near lethal violence. Services for gay men in particular are very limited, or nonexistent in many locations.
- Survivors may not report abuse because they may not want to reveal their sexual orientation or gender identity to law enforcement.
- Survivors hesitate to ask for services because they worry about homophobia from shelter staff
- Black and Hispanic LGBTQ are more likely to have suffered serious physical violence than not identifying as Black/Hispanic
- White LGBTQ are more likely to have suffered sexual assault than those identifying as non-White.
- Gay or lesbian batters threaten ‘outing’ their victims to their family, friends, and coworkers.
- Abusers threaten to take away the children; victims can have limited legal rights, related to adoption rights.
- Abusers target transgenders by calling them “it”, ridiculing their body parts and appearance, or telling them they are not a real man or woman.
