Fixing and Funding the Service Gap at the Intersection of the Domestic Violence Epidemic & LGBTQIA Community

By Taylan Stulting, Policy Associate

October marks not only Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but also LGBTQ History Month, calling for us to acknowledge the intersection between this public health epidemic and this historically disadvantaged group. Members of the LGBTQIA community often face significant public health challenges at disparate rates, including when it comes to domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV). For instance, an estimated 54% of transgender individuals and 57% bisexual women have experienced some form of IPV. Other genders and sexualities within the LGBTQIA community also face higher rates of IPV compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers, while also facing systemic barriers to accessing services that would prevent and/or address this.

However, when examining the unique power dynamics that are used to perpetrate DV/IPV against LGBTQIA people, these disparities and challenges are not surprising. Many LGBTQIA individuals experience family rejection and isolation from social supports. This vulnerability is often used as a tactic to gain and maintain power in an IPV situation where one or both individuals are queer or trans. For those whose LGBTQIA identity remains private, such information can be used to coerce or threaten a partner. For transgender survivors, abusive partners often prevent them from accessing the treatment and resources they need to transition, such as hormone replacement therapy, surgery, mental healthcare, clothing, or changes to legal documents. Such prevention of care by an intimate partner is a form of violence in and of itself, and can also further exacerbate other IPV dynamics that might be occurring. Forms of abuse seen in all types of relationships, such as economic abuse, using children as leverage, minimizing and blaming, and leveraging privilege, are also seen in LGBTQIA IPV cases, but are often intensified due to the historical discrimination this community faces.

Compounding these challenges is the fact that LGBTQIA survivors, particularly transgender and gender non-conforming survivors (TGNC), experience increased barriers to accessing services that may help prevent or address DV/IPV. While there are state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination against LGBTQIA people in accessing DV shelter and other related services, many queer and trans survivors continue to experience discriminatory practices which prevent them from accessing these resources. Many LGBTQIA survivors also express hesitation in reporting incidents of DV/IPV to police due to historical harm that has negatively impacted trust between this community and law enforcement. Many individuals also experience criminalization—such as being erroneously arrested or labeled as the aggressor—further exacerbating this fear. As a result, many LGBTQIA survivors have difficulty accessing various social services related to domestic violence without police documentation.

Through the Criminal Justice Investment Initiative’s (CJII’s) Program to Increase Access to Services for Survivors of Crime, ISLG has worked to address these disparities through funding and supportive programs that serve LGBTQIA survivors of DV/IPV.

New York City Anti-Violence Project

Under these survivor access initiatives, The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP)—an organization that has been providing services for LGBTQ and HIV+ survivors of violence for over 40 years—received CJII funding to expand and enhance its work increasing access to culturally and linguistically responsive legal, counseling, and advocacy services. Services provided to survivors of DV/IPV range from hotline supports to individual therapy to legal representation. The funding had a particular focus on enhancing accessibility to AVP’s services for survivors who have limited English proficiency by incorporating interpretation and translation services. This resource was critical in AVP’s work with LGBTQ survivors seeking immigration supports, such as asylum petitions. In addition to its direct services, AVP provides trainings on LGBTQ cultural competency for service providers, government agencies, and first responders. This is particularly important because many agencies and providers do not have the knowledge or experience necessary to provide affirming and supportive services to LGBTQ survivors and the unique dynamics they experience.

Still Survivors Program

Rising Ground’s STEPS to End Family Violence’s Still Survivors Programs partnered with the NYC AVP to serve criminalized survivors of gender-based violence, including DV/IVP, with a particular focus on those who identify as LGBTQ. Survivors who are facing—or have faced—criminal charges are offered holistic and anti-oppressive support services such as advocacy, individual therapy, and support groups. Given the complexities of the criminal legal system, the Still Survivors program offers services both within the community and on Rikers Island at the Rose M. Singer Center. STEPS has created deep trust and meaningful partnerships with City and community stakeholders to ensure a high quality care for survivors who are impacted by the criminal legal system.

Trauma Healing and Resilience Initiative for Transgender Survivors of Violence (THRIV)

THRIV, a program at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery (CTMS), also received funding under CJII. This innovative program provides TGNC survivors access to free trauma-focused and gender-affirming therapy. Many TGNC survivors are unable to access mental health services due to financial barriers, and those who are able to access them often have to choose between a therapist who is trans-affirming or a therapist who is trauma-focused due to the significant lack of training and knowledge the majority of mental health clinicians have in one or both of these areas. THRIV has aimed to fill that gap and provide these necessary services to trans survivors through individual and group therapy, psychiatric services, medical care, and linkage to other services. THRIV also serves as a resource for the broader CTMS and Mount Sinai community, providing training on trans-affirming, trauma-informed care to medical and social work staff to help reduce barriers to medical care that TGNC survivors face.