Are there differences in the type of dating violence experienced in LGBTQ relationships?
Dating violence is always the responsibility of the abuser, regardless of the gender or gender identity of the abuser or the type of relationship. But abusers may use a person’s identity as a way to abuse or control a person who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. For example, an abuser may use threats of outing a partner’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status to further control the person they are hurting. Individuals who identify as LGBTQ may face additional barriers when it comes to finding support and resources including: • Very limited services exist specifically for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. • When LGBTQ individuals report abuse to a therapist, police officer or medical provider, they often feel that the abuse is not taken seriously. • Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia deny the reality of LGBTQ people’s lives, including the existence of LGBTQ relationships, let alone abusive ones. When abuse exi
