Domestic Violence In LGBTQ Communities

Abstract: SMY (sexual minority youth, which refers within this paper to youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer) are at risk for trauma in particularly high numbers. When SMY become homeless, their risk for exposure to trauma becomes even higher, presenting the helping professions with a population that faces unique problems in clinical settings that may seek to treat homelessness without considering minority stress and repeated exposure to trauma. We reviewed literature concerned with trauma, homelessness and SMY issues to determine which EBPs (evidence-based practices) have been deemed most helpful for this population and found very few. Our investigation into local resources available to homeless SMY was similarly discouraging. Since previous trauma and marginalized sexual orientation are the primary factors for continued risk, we can suggest that Trauma Informed Care and Gay Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are currently our best choices. This paper will seek to explore why.

Victims need to be compensated for the damages inflicted. The victims of these crimes are targeted for a reason they cannot control. They are left without a paddle surrounded by sharks, and after the fact they are left with even less. “The government should exert efforts at addressing violence committed against LGBT members in keeping

There are usually not many reports made about same-sex violence because many were ashamed or thought their situation would not get heard. These individuals feel like their problems would be determined less serious over heterosexual abuse situations. “Lesbian and Gays are more reluctant to report abuse to legal authorities because they fear that they are showing a lack of solidarity among the gay and lesbian community. Many individuals may think there is a difference between the risk factor among heterosexual couples and same-sex couples, however there is no major difference. Also, according to Seccombe (2015) “The rate of abuse in gay and lesbian relationships is similar to or even higher than that in heterosexual relationships, around 25 to 30 percent” (p.322). As we look at the lesbian and gay community we see that they just want to fit in, so this is another reason their stories become unknown. There are many reason to think only woman get victimized, men are victimized, as well. To add, the individuals who describe themselves in the female role are victimized, based on the gender norms where woman should be unassertive and house labors instead of being in the workforce. So, therefore, there is not a major difference or any difference between the risk factors between the heterosexuals and the lesbian and gay intimate

We had a guest speaker from Mutual Ground that explained what programs and services Mutual Ground offers people who face Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Teaching us about the various forms of abuse people in a relationship face. Based on the various forms someone seeks power and control in a relationship. Such as using coercion and threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, economic abuse, male privilege, children, isolation and minimizing, denying and blaming their partner to suppress their partner and have power and control. Our guest speaker talked about some of the plans they have to help the LGBTQ community to provide the same services to help victims of sexual violence and domestic violence get the necessary help needed to protect everybody

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) impacts millions of families worldwide (Watts & Zimmerman, 2002). In fact, in the United States alone on average nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 2010). In light of this troubling information, the clinical social worker may find him or herself called upon to serve this most vulnerable population.

In 2013, nearly 200 reported cases of sexual orientation-based hate crimes were reported in Canada; of those crimes, 66% involved violence (Watson, 2015). Scott Jones, a young homosexual man was the victim of one of these attacks. The brutal attack rendered him paralyzed. Through the support of family and friends, he was able to collaborate with them to create “Don’t be afraid” in an effort to draw awareness to LBGT violence and help promote acceptance (Jones, 2015). He is able to provide insight through his experiences in the healthcare system such as the roles and collaboration used in his care, as well as being inspirational.

Moreover, victims could experience headaches, abdominal pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath, hypertension, or worsened respiratory illness. They will have bruises on the abdomen, back, head, neck, face, beasts, or genitals. Also, “Injured private parts, breasts, or abdomens are especially common in abused women who are pregnant”. Psychological issues embody depression and anxiety. Also, domestic violence occurs in homosexual relationships, not just in heterosexual relationships. One statistic states that “the prevalence of domestic violence among Gay and Lesbian couples is approximately 33%” (ABA 2). Unfortunately, homosexuals receive fewer protections even though they have

Intimate partner violence (IPV) in same-sex relationships is similar and nearly identical to IPV in heterosexual relationships, however, IPV in the LGBT community has a few unique issues. Victims of IPV in the LGBT community have to face many people in society that are homophobic. Though society has become a lot more open in accepting the LGBT community, victims still face negative attitudes from the community making it difficult for them to report the violence. If victims have not come out and announced their same-sex relationships, it makes it difficult for researchers to learn about the IPV among LGBT relationships. They also may not report the violence because if it is exposed it may reveal that they are part of the LGBT community and they

Domestic violence is also associated with Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 2010). Domestic violence statistics stated by Domestic shelters (2014) notes, “The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV, n.d), two out of every five gay and bisexual men experience abusive partner relationships, comparable to number of heterosexual women who endure domestic violence. The Coalition also found that 50 percent of lesbian women have experienced or will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. In a survey of one year’s time, 44 percent of victims of LBGTQ domestic violence identified as men while 36 percent identified as women (para, 2.).” Moreover, CDC (2014) found that, “45% of lesbian and 61% bisexual women compared to 35% of heterosexual women experienced rape, physical violence, and /or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. As well 26% of gay men and 37% bisexual men-compared to 29% of heterosexual men experience the same (para.1).” Staggering numbers for domestic violence with LGBT people, indicates there is a need for laws to be put in place for

“Intimate partner violence” (IPV) not only includes spousal abuse (as does “domestic violence”), but also extends to unmarried, cohabiting, and same-sex couples. Moreover, IPV, is also not restricted to physical abuse; threats of physical abuse, or sexual abuse, and emotional abuse are all considered different forms of intimate partner violence. Intimate partner violence is a major public health concern in the United States that often results in terrible consequences for victims, families, and communities at large. According to the CDC, “[i]n an average minute, about 24 people are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner”. Furthermore, The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that intimate partners

Riggle, et.al, (2008) emphasises Fraser’s social practices of connectedness and belonging. ‘Another Closet’ through a sense of connectedness and belonging creates a sense of belonging among the LGBTIQ community experiencing domestic violence. The website shares numerous cultivating networks in which connect victims to be able to share their story and connect as a community and help each other get through some of the darkest times in their lives. ‘Another Closet’ is a serious site which is both informative in the signs of domestic violence among the LGBTIQ community and providing the means for one to save themselves. It is confronting as seeing the names and faces of those who have suffered and who have told their stories to help others brings a whole minority together to help fight against domestic violence and making sure everyone receives the help

Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any age and gender starting from babies and ending to elderlies in homes they are sent to live in. Regardless of one’s sexual orientation and race domestic violence can occur to anyone who are in relationships. Domestic violence not only affects those who are the victims but also to the people who are close to them such as neighbors, children, family members, co- workers, and people who have an insight on the situation. It is important for the victim to address the problem with someone who can help. Although the abuser can promise to change and get better, the victim must remove himself or herself from the situation to reduce risks of long-term affects.

One in three women in the world has been in a sexual or physical abuse with either a non-partner or partner in their lifetime (World, 2016). There are agencies that are willing to help people from these solutions by giving shelter or help in any way they can. To have a better understand what agencies does to help there is a particular county that has an agency that helps victims of domestic violence. The agency that will be discussed is The PATH shelter in Rutherford County, and how is the experience of a member who works in the PATH shelter, and learns more about the Domestic Violence.

The social problem that I will be discussing in this paper will be violence. Specifically the violence against racialized groups, women, and the LGBT community. Violence is directly linked with poverty, as the poorest neighborhoods tend to have the highest crime rate. The groups most likely to be at risk for victimization tend to be poor people, for instance countless indigenous women are victimized. “In Saskatchewan, Indigenous women equal to 6 percent of the population, yet account for 60 percent of its missing women”(PowerPoint presentation, Violence). Indigenous women are extremely poor and that’s relevant, as the majorities are sex workers- these sex workers face horrific tragedies as violence against them is at an alarmingly high level. Canada has criminalized sex workers and that has led to increased violence by cause of law enforcement giving extra attention to the illegal sexual transaction. Furthermore with higher police surveillance, the state further perpetuates this social problem due to the fact that police officers are responsible for a large portion of the violence against sex workers, which tends to be intentional. Women tend to be victimized greater than men (do not know if it is because men never report sexual abuse) and a large number of their troubles are overlapped which is called intersectionality. Specifically, poor indigenous women are more likely to be a victim of violence than a rich white woman. The state further perpetuates violence against

Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) often seek help from emergency shelters like Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC), and the clients of these emergency shelters are generally in need of temporary housing, counseling, transportation, and/or advocacy (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence [NCAVD], 2015). The overriding problem for these shelters is lack of space (NCAVD, 2015). In 2015, a one-day census conducted by the National Network to End Domestic Violence found over 40,000 adults and children seeking refuge from IPV through the use of emergency shelters, with an additional 30,000 individuals receiving other services like counseling, transportation, and legal advocacy (National Network to End Domestic Violence [NNEDV],