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Albion Stands with LGBTQ Survivors

June is LGBTQ Pride Month.  Albion Fellows Bacon Center reaffirms our continued advocacy and support for ALL individuals who have or are experiencing sexual or domestic violence.   

We all deserve safe and healthy relationships, no matter our sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Sexual and domestic violence can occur in a variety of relationships and can happen to anyone.  Members of the LGBTQ community can experience a disproportionate rate of violence, harassment, and discrimination.  These acts may stem from homophobia, transphobia, and intersecting forms of oppression. 

Below are five important facts about sexual and domestic violence in LGBTQ communities. 

Individuals in LGBTQ communities can experience disproportional rates of violence and abuse.

As seen in the chart below, men or women identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual experience higher rates of rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.

Heterosexual Lesbian/Gay Bisexual
Men 26% 29% 37.3%
Women 35% 43.8% 61.1%

LGBTQ communities experience unique elements of abuse and barriers to seeking services.

Individuals experiencing abuse in the LGBTQ community can experience unique aspects of abuse not prevalent in heterosexual relationships.  Barriers include a fear that speaking about abuse will diminish progress towards equality or fuel anti-LGBTQ bias, a lack of understanding LGBTQ-friendly resources, and the dangers associated with coming out and risking rejection from family, friends, and society. 

Abuse unique to LGBTQ communities may include the monopolization of an individuals support system to generate sympathy & trust from friends and family to create isolation.  This can make it extremely difficult for those in smaller communities to find accessible resources, neighborhoods, and social outlets.  Also, outing can be utilized to create fear and maintain power and control if an individual has not yet disclosed their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Transgender individuals can face additional unique circumstances.

Within the transgender community, individuals may suffer an even greater burden of IPV than gay or lesbian individuals.  Tactics of abuse can include claims an individual is not a “real man/woman,” being called “it,” and ridicule related to body and appearances. 

Transgender individuals experiencing abuse are more likely to experience intimate partner violence in public when compared to those who do not identify as transgender. 

LGBTQ survivors of intimate partner violence are less likely to seek assistance.

Reported in 2012, fewer than 5% of LGBTQ survivors of IPV sought orders of protection.  Also, only 26% of men in same-sex relationships called the police for assistance after experiencing near-lethal violence. 

An individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression does not negate their experiences.

Those within the LGBTQ community can experience a unique blend of the issues we have discussed, but that does not mean they are exempt from the common effects seen across heterosexual relationships. 

They may fear they will not be believed.  They may feel alone.  They may wonder if it’s their fault.  

We at Albion are here to say that we believe you, we are here for you, and sexual assault or domestic violence is NEVER your fault. Our staff will not discriminate against you or a loved one who has experienced violence. 

Individuals seeking advocacy, including legal/crisis, community referrals, safety planning, or someone to speak with, may call 812-422-9372 and ask to speak with our Crisis Intervention Specialist for Underserved Populations.

Click here to empower individuals of sexual and domestic violence and may your contribution today.