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LGBTQIA - Sexual & Intimate Partner Violence

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We recognize that sexual violence and support services historically do not include the experiences of LGBTQIA individuals especially QTPoC.

 

Haven, as a center, believes that all oppression is connected and sexual violence is a symptom of oppression. We recognize that sexual violence and support services historically do not include the experiences of LGBTQIA individuals especially QTPOC. It is important to note that a person of any gender expression and/or sexual orientation can experience sexual violence. Sexual violence occurs within and outside of the LGBTQIA community. are often targeted due to their sexuality and/or perceived gender expression. This violence is used as a tool to maintain heteronormativity. In the context of this particular act, it is a hate crime and important to center in conversations about sexual violence. Haven serves as a confidential resource and staff here can walk you through your options. You have a right to report, seek out confidential resources, pursue medical attention, and/or go through the Equity Grievance Panel free from homophobia, transphobia, and/or racial harassment.

Quick Facts

Intimate partner and sexual violence does not only happen in heterosexual relationships. Violence is about power and control -- not sexual or romantic desires. It is a myth that abuse only happens by the “bigger,” “stronger,” “butch,” or more masculine partner. Women and femmes can be abusive and violent. As anyone can be a victim/survivor, anyone can be a perpetrator.

  • Threatening to out someone
  • Controlling how someone expresses their sexuality and gender
  • Using slurs that are racist, homophobic, transphobic, and biphobic
  • Using stereotypes to control your partner
  • Withholding hormones and medications
  • Pressuring someone to “transition” in ways the abuser sees fit
  • Refusing to let partner heal from transition
  • Fetishization of someone’s racial and/or trans identity
  • Hypersexualization of identity (for example, assuming someone always wants sex rather than asking)
  • Financial manipulation

In a transphobic, homophobic and racist world, survivors or those who experience sexual violence distrust in support services, including the Equity Grievance Panel, campus safety, police, hospitals, and even peers and professors is a valid response, especially in a small rural community.

  • Fear of violence and retaliation from responders, family, friends and larger community
  • Fear of violence and retaliation from responders, family, friends and larger community
  • Individuals might blame their own identity for the abuse. No one deserves abuse.
  • Fear of being outed
  • Fear of outing someone
  • Fear of “betraying” community that is already targeted
  • Lack of acknowledgement that sexual violence can happen to LGBQIA, trans and gender non-conforming individuals
  • Individuals experiencing sexual and intimate partner violence might have same support systems as partners, i.e. social spaces, student organizations, friends, etc.

At Haven, we believe you. We understand that healing and justice do not look the same for everyone who experiences sexual and intimate partner violence.

Definitions

An all-encompassing, non-legal term that refers to crimes like sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse. ()

An all-encompassing term that describes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, emotional and psychological abuse, economic abuse by a former or current intimate partner. An intimate partner can be someone who is or has been a sexual partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, significant other, person in a “situationship,” and/or someone you are close to/familiar with.

Irrational fear of or aversion to homosexuality or lesbian, gay or bisexual people ().

The irrational fear or aversion to transgender people of those who are perceived to break or blur societal norms regarding gender identity or gender expression ().

Learn more:

You can learn more about  the dynamics of LGBTQIA sexual violence and intimate partner violence below:

  • Queering Sexual Violence ed. Jennifer Patterson - available at Haven, the Center for Women’s Studies, and Case-Geyer
  • The Revolution Starts at Home: Confronting Abuse in Activist Communities 
  • Intersections of Identity and Sexual Violence on Campus - available at Haven
  • The Survivors Project - available at Haven and Case Geyer
  • - available at Haven and Case-Geyer
  • Dear Sister: Letters from Survivors of Sexual Violence ed. - available at Haven, ALANA, and the Center for Women’s Studies

Director of LGBTQ+ Initiatives

agorshkov
Lyosha Gorshkov
Director of LGBTQ+ Initiatives
108B East Hall

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Haven is a sexual violence resource center that provides confidential care, support, advocacy, and trauma-informed clinical services for survivors.