LGBTQ2S+

The importance of centering the experiences, strengths and needs of people within our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Two Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) communities is important to us at CSVANW while we work to address the unique and multiple victimizations and structural oppressions faced by our LGBTQ2S+ relatives. It is critical to work towards inclusive advocacy.

LGBTQ2S+ survivors of violence experience the same rates of violence as other intimate partner relationships- however, LGBT survivors sometimes face discrimination (whether intentional or not) when seeking help and protection. These discriminations can re-victimized and/or re-traumatize an individual. Although VAWA 2013 prohibits such discrimination to ensure that all victims of violence have access to the same services and protection to overcome trauma and find safety.

Glossary of Terms

Violence Against 2SLGBTQ+ Relatives

Abusive partners in LGBTQ relationships use all the same tactics to gain power and control as abusive partners in heterosexual relationships — physical, sexual or emotional abuse, financial control, isolation and more.

But abusive partners in LGBTQ relationships also reinforce their tactics that maintain power and control with societal factors that compound the complexity a survivor faces in leaving or getting safe in an LGBTQ relationship.
(Source: The National Domestic Violence Hotline)

Quick Statistics about Domestic Violence and the LGBTQ Community

(Source: NCADV.org)

• 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime, as opposed to 35% of heterosexual women.
• 26% of gay men and 37.3% of bisexual men have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime, in comparison to 29% of heterosexual men.
• In a study of male same sex relationships, only 26% of men called the police for assistance after experiencing near-lethal violence.
• In 2012, fewer than 5% of LGBTQ survivors of intimate partner violence sought orders of protection.
• Transgender victims are more likely to experience intimate partner violence in public, compared to those who do not identify as transgender.
• Bisexual victims are more likely to experience sexual violence, compared to people who do not identify as bisexual.
• LGBTQ Black/African American victims are more likely to experience physical intimate partner violence, compared to those who do not identify as Black/African American.
• LGBTQ white victims are more likely to experience sexual violence, compared to those who do not identify as white.
• LGBTQ victims on public assistance are more likely to experience intimate partner violence compared to those who are not on public assistance.

(Source: HRC.org)

• The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey found that 47% of transgender people are sexually assaulted at some point in their lifetime.

• Among people of color, American Indian (65%), multiracial (59%), Middle Eastern (58%) and Black (53%) respondents of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey were most likely to have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime

• Nearly half (48 percent) of bisexual women who are rape survivors experienced their first rape between ages 11 and 17.

How to be a good relative

LGBTQ2S+ Resources