Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community

When we talk about domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV), the conversation often centers around heterosexual relationships. Within the LGBTQ+ community, however, IPV is a real and dangerous part of life. Yet due to stigma, lack of representation, and limited access to safe resources, countless victims suffer in silence, unsure of whether what they’re experiencing “counts” as abuse.

At the LLF Law Firm, we provide confidential, compassionate, and culturally competent legal support for LGBTQ+ and queer individuals experiencing domestic abuse in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, or anywhere in between, we’re ready to stand by your side and help you reclaim your safety. Call 888-535-3686 or send us a confidential consultation form to get started.

Knowing When You’re at Risk

According to a 2020 Human Rights Campaign report, 61% of bisexual women experience rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetimes. In comparison, only 35% of heterosexual women report the same.

This stark disparity often goes unnoticed in broader discussions of domestic violence. Bisexual women face unique challenges such as erasure of their identity, being blamed for their sexuality, or being fetishized. They have a greater risk of domestic violence as a result, as well as a smaller likelihood they’ll be believed or supported.

Risks for LGBTQ+ Youth and Transgender Individuals

The dangers of IPV begin young. Data show that 18% of LGBTQ+ youth experience physical dating violence, and 16% experience sexual dating violence. Compare these numbers to their non-LGBTQ+ peers: only 7% report physical and 8% report sexual dating violence. Patterns of abuse can unfortunately begin very early, demonstrating how necessary it is to offer LGBTQ+ inclusive education and interventions.

The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey also revealed that more than half (54%) of transgender and nonbinary respondents had experienced IPV. The 2022 follow-up survey also showed that transgender people faced systemic discrimination from healthcare professionals—when LGBTQ+ individuals can’t access safe medical care, housing, or legal support, they feel unable to leave a dangerous relationship.

Domestic Abuse Goes Beyond Physical Violence

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that intimate partner violence includes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression. These subtler forms of abuse are particularly common in LGBTQ+ relationships, where dynamics around secrecy, identity, and power imbalances often go unrecognized. Many people don’t realize they’re experiencing abuse because it doesn’t look like what they’ve seen in movies or public campaigns.

If you’re experiencing partner abuse, you can call the hotline for The Network/La Red (TNLR). It’s a social justice organization working to end partner abuse in LGBTQ+ and queer communities.

Legal Strategies for LGBTQ+ Survivors

At the LLF Law Firm, we understand how deeply intimate partner violence affects LGBTQ+ individuals and how often survivors face unique legal, social, and financial barriers to escaping abuse. If you’re experiencing domestic violence in Pennsylvania, our Family Law Team can help you take immediate steps toward safety and justice. We can represent you in domestic violence cases and guide you through the process of obtaining a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order.

If you need protection, call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential consultation form, and we’ll reach out to you.