Barriers to Help Seeking for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive and devastating social problem that is estimated to occur in one of every four opposite-sex relationships and at least one of every five same-sex romantic relationships. These estimates may not represent violence against those who identify as transgender or genderqueer, and very little comprehensive research has been conducted on IPV within these populations. One statewide study on IPV found rates of IPV were as high as one of every two transgender individuals. In order to cope with the effects of abuse or leave an abusive partner, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and genderqueer (LGBTQ) IPV survivors seek support from others. However, LGBTQ IPV survivors may experience unique difficulties related to their sexual orientation and gender identity when seeking assistance. This article reviews the literature on LGBTQ IPV and suggests three major barriers to help-seeking exist for LGBTQ IPV survivors: a limited understanding of the problem of LGBTQ IPV, stigma, and systemic inequities. The significance and consequences of each barrier are discussed, and suggestions for future research, policy, and practice are provided.

When Intimate Partner Violence Meets Same Sex Couples: A Review of Same Sex Intimate Partner Violence

“…IPV victims can be reluctant in seeking assistance, fearing discrimination (Giorgio, 2002; Helfrich and Simpson, 2006; Carvalho et al, 2011). Rarely a solution was offered to help LGB people in accessing treatment for IPV, and authors recommended modifications to standard treatments or programs (Calton et al, 2015; O’Neal and Parry, 2015). Studies showed that services and shelters were often unprepared to support IPV homosexual and bisexual victims (Buford et al, 2007; Cannon et al, 2016; Barata et al, 2017).…”

“…The reviewed literature suggested the need of a psychological treatment designed on specific LGB necessities and finalized to guarantee new useful resources and develop self-determination (Merrill and Wolfe, 2000; Calton et al, 2015; O’Neal and Parry, 2015). Intervention for LGB IPV victims and perpetrators should be part of an integrate and complete treatment plan that can involve couples or individual treatment but, in any case, that should be adapted to each specific situation.…”

“…Although traditional battered women’s shelters can be recognized as a model for LGB agencies, some changes should be made: for example, a more inclusive language and a focus on experiences of individuals rather than gender, which can make LGB people more comfortable in disclosing abuse. IPV is still a partially unknown issue in the LGB community, which may minimize warning signs and this is why the LGB community needs to be specifically targeted for education regarding IPV and recognize its signs (Coleman, 2003; Dixon and Peterman, 2003; Dutton et al, 2009; Ard and Makadon, 2011; Bowen and Nowinsky, 2012; Calton et al, 2015; O’Neal and Parry, 2015; Cannon et al, 2016). …”

The Impact of Mandatory Reporting Laws on Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Intersectionality, Help-Seeking and the Need for Change

“…Informal networks are very important for survivors: survivors turn first and most often to friends and family for support for IPV (Sylaska and Edwards 2014;Trotter and Allen 2009). This is especially true for survivors of marginalized backgrounds because of the disparate treatment they can receive from formal sources of support, such as the court systems (Calton et al 2016;Deutsch et al 2017), social service agencies (Kanuha 2005), and law enforcement (Richie 2012;Hirschel et al 2007).…”

Expanding perspectives: A social inequities lens on intimate partner violence, reproductive justice, and infant mental health

“…Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and genderqueer (LGBTQ) individuals experience IPV at similar or higher rates than do cisgendered, straight individuals (McKenry, Serovich, Mason, & Mosack. 2006), even with suspected underreporting of IPV among LGBTQ individuals (Calton, Cattaneo, & Gebhard, 2016). Taken together, this suggests that a binary, gender-stereotyped approach to understanding IPV is insufficient to capture the nuances in relationships and patterns of violence.…”