LGBTQ communities can experience severe forms of violence. The reasons behind different experiences of violence in these communities, while all rooted in power and control on personal or systemic levels may vary. In some cases, it may be as a result of not conforming to gender norms (i.e. hate crime). In other cases, for example, intimate partner violence, the causes are related to interpersonal relationship dynamics. As with all forms of gender-based violence we know that underreporting is common and it is difficult to have accurate data.
- An Ontario-based study found that
- “20% [of trans people] had experienced physical or sexual assault due to their identity.”
- “35% [of trans people] were subjected to verbal threats or harassment.” (1)
- Lesbian and bisexual women are at heightened risk of intimate partner violence and reported victimization at three times the rate of heterosexual women. (2)
For additional resources, refer to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Notes
1. CMHA, Lesbian, gay, bisexual & trans people and mental health
2. Intimate Partner and Spousal Violence in Measuring Intimate Partner Violence, 2013, p. 3
Works Cited
Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d.). Lesbian, gay, bisexual & trans people and mental health. Retrieved from http://ontario.cmha.ca/mental-health/lesbian-gay-bisexual-trans-people-a...
Status of Women Canada. (2013). Intimate Partner and Spousal Violence in Measuring violence against women: Statistical trends – key findings. Retrieved from http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/rc-cr/pub/violence-partner-partenaire-eng.pdf