School Violence and Victimization Among LGB Homeless Students as Compared With Their LGB Nonhomeless Peers

• In Event: Bullies, Victims, and Bystanders: Preventing School Violence

Abstract

Research indicates that both homeless youth and LGB youth are at high risk of victimization compared with their non-homeless and heterosexual peers, yet little is known about school-violence among LGB homeless students. Utilizing a California statewide representative sample of LGB students (N= 31,358), we conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses to examine differences between LGB homeless and LGB non-homeless students in the outcomes of discriminatory bullying, physical victimization, nonphysical victimization, and weapon carrying in school. The results highlight that LGB homeless (acute homelessness or doubled up) students are at high risk of experiencing school-violence. These findings demonstrate the need to develop specific school-based interventions for LGB homeless students which meet their unique needs.

Authors

• Kris M. De Pedro, Chapman University

• Hadass Moore, Hebrew University of Jerusalem