Looking Within: An Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence Among LGBTQ+ Youth

• In Event: Victimization During Childhood and Adolescence

Abstract

Sexual minority youth are at increased risk of IPV victimization compared to their heterosexual peers. However, the LGBTQ+ population is not a homogenous group and risk of IPV victimization varies by LGBTQ+ subgroup (e.g., gay/lesbian, bisexual, and unsure). Using two waves of data (2017, 2019) from the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), this study analyzes differences in physical and sexual IPV victimization between heterosexual and sexual minority youth, within group differences among LGBTQ+ adolescents, and if the relationship between IPV victimization and sexual identity is mediated after controlling for theoretically relevant variables. Results indicate that sexual minority youth are at elevated risk of IPV victimization compared to their heterosexual peers. Within analyses show that bisexual youth are more likely than gay/lesbian youth to be victims of sexual IPV. The association between physical and sexual IPV victimization and sexual identity is partially attenuated by demographic variables, risky behaviors, and negative life experiences. Findings indicate that intervention and prevention programming should be tailored to identify, and treat, the risks and needs of unique, at-risk populations.

Author

• Andrea Hazelwood, Texas State University