Experiences and Recognition of Intimate Partner Violence among a Community-Sample of LGBTIQA + People in Western Australia
摘要
LGBTIQA + people experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at higher rates than non-LGBTIQA + people but under-utilize professional support services, and the reasons for this are poorly understood. This study examined IPV experiences, recognition of IPV, service utilization, and support needs among a self-selected sample of 523 LGBTIQA + adults in Western Australia (WA).
MethodParticipants completed an online survey about their experiences of IPV and experiences seeking professional support for IPV.
ResultsOver half (n = 260, 51%) of participants indicated they had experienced IPV. When participants were subsequently presented with information about IPV, 346 (68%) participants indicated having experienced IPV. One quarter of participants (n = 90, 27%) did not disclose their IPV experiences. Of participants with a history of IPV, many (n = 119, 46%) did not access professional services for IPV and, of those who did, most (n = 128, 88%) experienced one or more barriers. In the overall sample, most could recognize healthy behaviors in intimate relationships (n = 484, 93%), but fewer could recognize unhealthy (n = 92, 18%) or abusive behaviors (n = 137, 26%).
ConclusionsThe findings highlight a high community prevalence of IPV among LGBTIQA + adults, paired with low disclosure and limited professional support utilization. Barriers to disclosure included under-recognition of IPV and concerns about being dismissed by services. Findings indicate the need for targeted resources to improve IPV recognition among LGBTIQA + people and service providers, and for commitment by IPV services to LGBTIQA + inclusivity to ensure adequate support for this population.