Why is the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at a higher risk of intimate partner violence?
For members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, abusers often weaponize homophobic and transphobic systems of stigma, discrimination and lack of education about this community to maintain their control.
Impacts of intimate partner violence on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
Intimate partner violence has a significant impact on the health and well-being of survivors. It can lead to physical health effects such as bodily injuries or sexually transmitted diseases and mental health effects such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Barriers to Seeking Help
Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are often faced with many barriers when trying to seek help. These barriers can include:
- Negative experiences when reporting to healthcare providers and/or the police, being turned away or having their complaint dismissed
- Low awareness and availability or difficulty in accessing services for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
- Hesitation to report due to the stigma, and prior negative and discriminatory experiences
Source: Human Rights Campaign. (2022). Understanding intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ+ community.
