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Domestic Violence Among the LGBTQ Community
At the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, we recognize that LGBTQ individuals face unique challenges and
consequences when it comes to domestic violence. With more education and resources, friends and family can
learn how to better support victims.
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2
Unique Challenges
LGBT+ Domestic Violence
1
The Fear of Being Outed
Coming out and transitioning is often a
vulnerable process for people in the LGBTQ
community. Abusers may recognize this
vulnerability and use it to their advantage. For
example, the abusive partner may threaten to
out their partner to their friends and family if
they don’t comply with their wishes. In this
way, individuals in the LGBTQ community
can have their sexuality/gender identity used
against them.
2
Gender Role Assumptions
In heterosexual relationships found in the
media, men are often portrayed as the abuser.
As a result, if two women are experiencing
domestic violence, police and health care
providers may not know whom to “blame”.
More often than not, many assume that the
more masculine partner is the abuser since
abusive behavior is often associated with
hyper-masculinity.
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3
More Unique Barriers
1
Internalized
Homophobia/Transphobia
Both abusers and victims of domestic
violence may have an internalized
sense of hate towards their sexuality or
gender identity. This could come from
unaccepting friends and family and/or
a homophobic/transphobic society.
When these individuals already have a
low self-esteem, they are more likely to
normalize abusive behaviors.
2
Lack of Support
People among the LGBTQ community
tend to have lower levels of social
support from friends and family due to
the stigma of their identity. Having
less support to begin with can make it
even more difficult for victims to leave
an abusive relationship. Abusers often
isolate their victims from any support
they may have. So even if victims want
to leave, they may feel like they have no
one to turn to.
4
Seeking Support
If LGBTQ victims of
domestic violence choose
to seek support, they may
come across even more
barriers. Health Care
providers and Crisis Center
Staff may hold a
homophobic bias
(knowingly or
unknowingly), which
could impact treatment.
Also, some agencies only
offer services for
heterosexual, cisgender
individuals. LGBTQ
victims may be weary to
seek support in the first
place in fear that they will
be either turned away or
face discrimination.
However, with sensitivity
training and more
knowledge about inclusive
resources, these barriers
can be alleviated.
5
Ways to Support Victims: Ideas for Friends and Family of LGBT Individuals
Listen and Believe
When a LGBTQ friend or family member discloses that they are in an abusive relationship, we must listen from a non-judgmental perspective and believe their story.
LGBTQ domestic violence is often taken less seriously than heterosexual domestic violence. Showing support can be as simple as believing the victims who choose to share.
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Provide Resources
Offer any LGBTQ friendly resources that you know of that would be helpful for the victim. However, remind them they are in the driver’s seat. Don’t force them to leave the relationship if they are not ready.
When they are ready to leave, they will have the resources that you provided them. This way the victim still feels like they have some control.
Patience is Key
Often times victims don’t realize that their relationship is abusive. They may still be in love with their partner and genuinely want to stay in the relationship.
This can be frustrating for family and friends who want to help. But with time, your efforts will pay off. When supporting a victim, try not to loose hope. Eventually they will come around and be grateful for your help.
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FACES Family Justice Center (www.adacounty.id.gov/faces) This agency brings together multiple organizations in one location to provide services for victims of abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence.
417 S 6th St Boise, ID 83702 Mon-Fri, 8-5 (208) 577-4400, Sat-Sun, 8-5 (208) 377-6790, Daily 5pm-8am (208) 577-4433
Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (www.engagingvoices.org), (208) 384-0419
A non-profit organization engaging voices to create change in the prevention, intervention and response to domestic violence, dating abuse, stalking and sexual assault. 1402 W Grove St Boise, ID 83702
Boise State University Gender Equity Center (www.genderequity.boisestate.edu), (208) 426-2459
Free and confidential support services for the LGBTGIA community. Provides a safe space on campus as well as educational programing.
Student Union Building 1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725
Boise Police Department Victim-Witness Program (www.police.cityofboise.org/victim-services), (208) 577-4494 Developed in 1990 in response to a need for crisis intervention and support services for victims, witnesses and survivors of violent crime. 333 N Mark Stall Place Boise, Idaho 83704-5511 In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1
Community Resources There are multiple LGBTQ friendly resources in the Boise area besides the Women’s
and Children’s Alliance. If you or someone you know is in need of support, help is
available.
Sources: Brown, M. J., & Groscup, J. (2008). Perceptions of same-sex domestic violence among
crisis center staff. Springer Science+Business Media 24, 87-93. doi:10.1007/s10896-
008-9212-5
Dean, E. (2013). When love turns violent. Nursing Standard, 27(23), 22-23.
Greenberg, K. (2012). Still hidden in the closet: Trans women and domestic violence.
Berkeley Journal of Gender, Law and Justice, 27, 198-251.
Mason, T. L., McKenry, P. C., Mosack, K., & Serovich, J. M. (2006). Perpetration of gay
and lesbian partner violence: A disempowerment perspective. Springer
Science+Business Media, 21 , 233-243. doi:10.1007/s10896-006-9020-8
lorem ipsum 720 West Washington St.
Boise, ID 83702
208.343.3688
24 –hour hotline:
208-343-7025
www.wcaboise.org