LGBTQIA+ Survivors
It is estimated that 24–33% of LGBTQIA+ relationships include some form of abuse, and that bisexual women experience higher rates of sexual assault by an intimate partner when compared to straight women.
73% of LGBTQIA+ college students report experiencing sexual harassment or abuse, with more than 6% changing their school or major as a result. 40% of gay men and 47% of bisexual men experience sexual assault in their lifetimes.
Research estimates that up to 50% of trans individuals have experienced sexual violence, with that rate found to be even higher for trans people of color, individuals living with disabilities, and those involved in sex work.
Challenges to Reporting and Seeking Support
LGBTQIA+ survivors face many additional challenges to reporting gender violence or seeking support, including:
- Fear of being outed
- Fear of outing their offender
- Not seeing law enforcement, courts, services providers, etc. as reflective or supportive of their community
- Body image and discomfort
- Fear of discrimination or mistreatment
- Potential in-group consequences