Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community: Unique Lived Experiences and Relevance

• In Event: Research in Queer Victimology

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a constant epidemic in the United States. Oftentimes national data focuses primarily on cisgender heterosexual partnerships, failing to present the true picture of IPV impact on LGBTQ+ communities. Resources such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) present data on victimization for both men and women without addressing LGBTQ+ victims/survivors. The lack of data fails to include approximately 7.2% of American adults (18+) (Jones, 2023) and further contributes to the social construction of an IPV victim/survivor. This research addresses the prevalence of IPV in the LGBTQ+ community, the unique lived experiences and challenges that many LGBTQ+ victims/survivors encounter, and the minority stress repercussions that might contribute to lack of reporting to police and other formal IPV service providers. Critical needs for the LGBTQ+ communities regarding IPV also will be discussed.

Authors

• Stacie Merken, Indiana University South Bend

• Danielle Slakoff, California State University, Sacramento