DV and LGBTQ Communities

According to available evidence, LGBTQ people are just as likely as heterosexuals to be involved in an abusive relationship.  DV is estimated to occur in 25% of all relationships.

LGBTQ people who are victims of domestic violence have specific concerns including:

• The threat of being "outed" - having one's sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status disclosed to family, employers, police, religious institutions, the community, or child custody authorities.

• The myth that abusive behavior is a normal part of LGBTQ relationships.

• The lack of legal and social service protections and resources available to assist LGBTQ people affected by domestic violence.

• The false idea that because LGBTQ people's relationships are not legally recognized, the abuse is not serious and the victim should easily be able to leave the relationship.

• The reinforcement of victims' fears that no one will help because they are LGBTQ or they are "deserving" of the abuse because they are LGBTQ.

• The myth that what is being experienced cannot be domestic violence because two people of the same sex are assumed to share equal social standing and not be able to abuse power and control.