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Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive and devastating social problem that is estimated to occur in one of every four opposite-sex relationships and at least one of every five same-sex romantic relationships. These estimates may not represent violence against those who identify as transgender or genderqueer, and very little comprehensive research has been conducted on IPV within these populations. One statewide study on IPV found rates of IPV were as high as one of every two transgender individuals. In order to cope with the effects of abuse or leave an abusive partner, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and genderqueer (LGBTQ) IPV survivors seek support from others. However, LGBTQ IPV survivors may experience unique difficulties related to their sexual orientation and gender identity when seeking assistance. This article reviews the literature on LGBTQ IPV and suggests three major barriers to help-seeking exist for LGBTQ IPV survivors: a limited understanding of the problem of LGBTQ IPV, stigma, and systemic inequities. The significance and consequences of each barrier are discussed, and suggestions for future research, policy, and practice are provided.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals experience rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) that are equal to or higher than rates reported by cisgender and heterosexual individuals; however, they do not seek help for IPV as often as heterosexual/cisgender survivors and they face population-specific barriers to help-seeking, such as a fear of discrimination from help sources. Although it is clear barriers to help-seeking exist, researchers and advocates do not have a clear or nuanced understanding of how, in which contexts, and to what degree they operate. This dissertation presents two studies that investigate intentions to seek help for IPV in a sample of 317 LGBTQ people. Study one examined the types of sources LGBTQ individuals are most likely to seek help from if they experience IPV in the future. Results indicated that LGBTQ people are most likely to seek help from friends, mental health professionals, and LGBTQ resource centers if they experience IPV. Additionally, intentions to seek help differed significantly based on participants’ gender identity and IPV history. Study two investigated minority stress processes as barriers to help seeking for LGBTQ IPV from formal sources of support. Results indicated that discrimination and internalized homo/transphobia are barriers to seeking help from mental health professionals, but these minority stress processes did not act as barriers to seeking help from other formal sources of support. In addition, participants’ levels of outness did not serve as a barrier to seeking help from any of the formal sources of support.

I felt this class was a waste of time and university resources. The class is a good idea on paper but was not practical in any way ... \"Feelings\" were considered OK only if you were part of a minority group.