Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community

As healthcare providers, much of the care we offer begins with the initial screening questions. These questions are designed to apply to specific populations based on their level of risk. Screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) is considered a standard part of care, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) for women of reproductive age.

Although the USPSTF does not specifically mention IPV screening for all adults, many medical organizations recommend it for everyone. IPV—also known as domestic violence, partner abuse, or dating violence—refers to the various tactics an abuser uses to control their partner in an intimate relationship. A crucial point here is that IPV isn’t confined to any particular person, gender, or role. What defines it as intimate partner violence is the nature of the relationship and the abuse itself.

This is especially important when working with patients in the LGBTQ+ community who may identify as genders other than male or female or have partners of the same gender. IPV is not limited to what we traditionally think of as “male-female” or “man-woman” relationships. While the rates of IPV can vary based on factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and education, it can happen across all age groups (including teenagers) and among diverse races and ethnicities.

The Human Rights Campaign reports that, based on prior surveys in the LGBTQ+ community:

• 44% of lesbians and 61% of bisexual women experience rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, compared to 35% of straight women.
• The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey found that more than half (54%) of transgender and non-binary respondents experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetimes.
• Among non-LGBTQ respondents in the most recent CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 7% reported experiencing physical dating violence, and 8% reported experiencing sexual dating violence. In contrast, 18% of LGBTQ respondents reported experiencing physical dating violence, and 16% reported experiencing sexual dating violence.

As healthcare providers, it is crucial to recognize that the genders of the individuals involved in the relationship do not affect the need for screening and referral. All adult patients should be considered for at least annual screening for intimate partner violence to ensure that we provide appropriate care and referrals, prioritizing their health, safety, and well-being. For all patients who screen positive for intimate partner violence, it is important to offer referrals to services and shelters that can provide support.