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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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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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.

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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.

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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