Sexual and intimate partner violence among LGBTIQ youth at university

• In Event: Roundtable: LGBTIQ+ Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

During a pilot study to explore LGBTIQ+, questioning and non-gender binary undergraduate student experiences of discrimination, harassment and abuse on a tertiary campus in Australia several themes concerning sexual and intimate partner violence surfaced. In this paper, we investigate and discuss these concerns which included 1) experiences of interpersonal and sexual violence while residing in halls and/or dating other students 2) resulting increased feelings of anxiety, unsafety and lack of support systems for LGBTIQ+ students attempting to address such issues on campus; and 3) other experiences of exclusion from LGBTIQ+ community groups on campus. Results indicate a lack of administrative support and access to knowledge, resources and services regarding LGBTIQ+ sexual identities. However, students also indicated some positive on campus experiences including increased confidence and subsequent interactions, heightened queer visibility, access to LGBTIQ+ designated mental health services, and classroom experiences that included topics, units and staff that were LGBTIQ+ identified or friendly. Drawing from interviews we begin to map ways in which we can begin to address LGBTIQ+ specific needs, including resources and support regarding experiences of sexual and intimate partner violence.

Author

• James Roffee, Monash University