LGBTQ
Intimate partner abuse and sexual assault in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) communities are serious issues. Wild Iris is dedicated to supporting those who are experiencing abuse in their intimate relationships, regardless of their sexual orientation.
No One Deserves to be Abused.
Intimate Partner Abuse
The rate of intimate partner abuse in same-gender relationships is about the same as intimate partner abuse against heterosexual women, and is most likely underreported. Individuals who are involved in same-gender relationships are often scared to report intimate partner abuse for fear of revealing their sexual orientation or the nature of their relationship. They worry about hostility from others who may not be able to identify with anything other than being “straight.”
Every year between 50,000 and 100,000 lesbian women and as many as 500,000 gay men are battered. Same-sex battering is much like heterosexual battering both in the type of abuse and how often it occurs. Same-sex batterers use forms of abuse that are similar to those used by heterosexual batterers. However, same-sex batterers have an additional weapon - they often threaten to “out” their partner to family, friends, employers or the community.
Sexual Assault
LGBTQ people are more likely than heterosexuals to be sexually assaulted by a stranger. Abusers often use sexual assaults against LGBTQ individuals to punish and humiliate them. A 1990 study found that 31% percent of lesbians and 12% percent of gay men had been raped at some time in their life. Another study found that 52% of the LGBTQ people had been raped by an individual of the same gender. In addition, it is estimated that 10% of hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals involve sexual assault. This figure may be higher, because individuals who were assaulted were not always sure they were targeted because of their sexual orientation.
Over the last decade, there has been an increase of services, enforcement of the law, and equal protections available to those in LGBTQ relationships. However, local resources for intimate partner abuse and sexual assault in LGBTQ communities are often scarce. In addition, many traditional services lack the training, sensitivity, and expertise to deal with the unique issues in the LGBTQ communities. Locally, a new group – PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian and Gays) – will be available in Bishop. For more information, please contact them @ EasternSierraPFLAG@gmail.com
Sexual assault and intimate partner abuse are attacks not only on a person’s body, but also on his/her dignity and emotional well-being. Sexual assault and intimate partner abuse are NEVER the fault of the victim.
For more information about LGBTQ communities and issues, please visit:
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=66
http://www.advocate.com/
http://www.glaad.org/
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