Decades of empirical literature demonstrate that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals are disproportionally affected by a variety of physical and mental health issues. Data demonstrated that adolescents who endorsed same-sex attraction were at higher risk for internalising disorders and showed greater deficits in emotional regulation compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Given that the health disparities experienced by LGBT persons are prevalent across an array of physical and psychological issues, it is not surprising that this population also experiences higher rates of dating violence (DV). [1]
Prevalence of Dating Violence Among LGBT Youth
A recent review (Messinger, 2014) found that 20% of LGBT adults have experienced psychological DV, around 33% have experienced physical DV, and 5% have experienced sexual victimisation by a romantic or sexual partner during their lifetime. With respect to DV, a minority stress framework suggests that LGBT youth are at increased risk for victimisation at least partly because of the multitude of stigma-related stressors they face. Because of their disadvantaged social status, they may be more likely than heterosexual youth to experience some common risk factors for dating violence, as well as additional unique risks (e.g. a history of victimisation due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, internalised homophobia, concealment of partnerships from unaccepting adults who might otherwise serve as protective resources), which together heighten their risk for dating violence. [1]
Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in LGBT Patients
Although the LGBT population is heterogeneous, encompassing a wide range of behaviours and identities, many groups within this population experience IPV at least as frequently as heterosexual women, the focus of most organised screening and intervention efforts. Many aspects of domestic violence in LGBT groups, such as the role of power dynamics, the cyclical nature of abuse, and the escalation of abuse over time, are similar between LGBT and heterosexual relationships. However, there are some aspects of IPV that are unique to the LGBT experience. In particular, the outing may constitute both a tool of abuse and a barrier to seeking help. LGBT individuals often hide outward expression of their sexual orientation or gender identity for fear of stigma and discrimination; abusive partners may exploit this fear through the threat of forced outing. Even if batterers do not employ outing as an abuse tactic, victims’ reluctance to out themselves may hinder them from turning to family, friends, or the police for support, further isolating them in abusive relationships. Although not unique to the LGBT experience, another salient aspect of domestic abuse in the LGBT community is the background of stigma and discrimination upon which it occurs. Many LGBT individuals have experienced prior psychological or
physical trauma, whether in the form of rejection by their families of origin, hate speech or hate crimes in their communities, or bullying at school; these experiences are particularly common among transgender individuals. [2]
References:
- Ard, K. L., & Makadon, H. J. Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Patients. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2011;26(8), 930–933.doi:10.1007/s11606-011-1697-6
- Reuter T R, Whitton S W. Adolescent Dating Violence Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth. Academic Press. 2018; 215-231. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-811797-2.00009-8.
By Ozlem Altun | EMSA EuroMeds Chief Editor
Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine