2SLGBTQQIA+ Experiences of Intimate Partner Abuse and Help-Seeking: An Intersectional Scoping Review
Date
2023-08-08
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Abstract
Background
Intimate partner abuse (IPA) encompasses various forms of abuse between intimate partners, including physical, sexual, emotional, financial, legal, cultural, spiritual, religious, and other types of violence. Recent studies challenge cisgender heteronormative representations of IPA by revealing that the prevalence of IPA between Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and other sexual or gender minority (2SLGBTQQIA+) partners is similar to heterosexual IPA. However, discriminatory beliefs enacted through homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, and colonialism uniquely influence 2SLGBTQQIA+ experiences of IPA. Moreover, the lack of service availability and diversity specifically tailored to 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities further complicate efforts to address IPA, exacerbating inequities and impacting well-being.
Objectives
This scoping review aimed to achieve three main objectives:
1. Identify knowledge strengths and gaps related to IPA among 2SLGBTQQIA+ people;
2. Describe the help-seeking efforts and experiences of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who have encountered IPA, including interactions with informal supports (e.g., friends, family members) and formal services (e.g., police, counsellors); and
3. Provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance service responsiveness to 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.
Methodology
The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (#CRD42020139639) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. We included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies that examined help-seeking patterns and outcomes of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who experience and/or use IPA against partners. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Scopus, CINAHL, Genderwatch, and Social Science Abstracts. From the 5,827 initial results, 1,790 references were screened on full text. A total of 703 peer-reviewed studies focused on 2SLGBTQQIA+ IPA, and of those, 142 specifically examined help-seeking and 2SLGBTQQIA+ IPA. Each reference was screened by at least two members of the review team and data extraction was supported by four authors. Findings were categorized by sexual and gender identity group when possible, with further consideration of intersectionality.
Results
Most studies examined mixed sexual and gender minority (SGM) samples without providing stratified results. Community-specific studies on IPA were more likely to focus on lesbians, and trans people, followed by studies with bisexual participants, gay men, and Two-Spirit people. Notably, no studies included intersex participants, and there were no specific results available for individuals questioning their sexual and/or gender identity or those who identified as asexual. Emotional abuse or violence was commonly reported as the most prevalent form of IPA among LGBT individuals. Bisexual men and women seemed to experience a higher prevalence of IPA compared to lesbians or gay men. Many studies revealed that 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals were often unaware that the control, violence, or manipulation they experienced in their intimate relationships could be classified as abuse, acting as a barrier to seeking support or leaving abusive relationships. This lack of recognition was often attributed to gendered discourses that centre cisheteronormative relationships and overlook 2SLGBTQQIA+ specific forms of abuse. Other significant barriers across all groups included a lack of knowledge about available
services, the absence of 2SLGBTQQIA+-specific services (and services providers), and anticipated or enacted discrimination from service providers. Negative experiences with accessing police services were commonly reported by many identity groups, while LGBT individuals also expressed dissatisfaction with legal services, indicating limited opportunities for seeking justice. Counsellors and friends were often regarded as positive sources of support.
Key Messages
Based on this review, the following areas require attention:
1. Critical changes are needed to gender-based violence services, particularly violence shelters, to properly respond to 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities. Many services perpetuate gender norms and engage in discriminatory actions that impede adequate support, including a significant service gap for both cis and trans male-identified individuals.
2. Ensuring justice for 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who experience violence is essential, necessitating attention to formal legal systems, policing, and transformative justice.
3. Counselling services are a strength and a valuable resource for 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in relation to IPA. It is crucial to support this sector, including measures to reduce individual costs and increase accessibility.
4. Increased education and training are needed for service providers working in formal services to reduce stigma and misconceptions and improve service interactions.
5. Educational curricula in schools should be adapted to include 2SLGBTQQIA+ IPA, enabling individuals to recognize experiences of abuse and support one another.
6. Informal support from friends is a crucial resource, and its effectiveness could be enhanced by establishing stronger connections to collective care initiatives.
7. Research and service design need to meaningfully integrate intersectional frameworks that better respond to the full diversity of 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.
8. There is an urgent need for a collective impact model that addresses abuse prevention, coordinated service navigation pathways, evaluation of informal and formal supports, shared values (intersectional and trauma-informed care), and increased funding.
By implementing these recommendations, progress can be made in addressing the gaps and challenges identified in this review leading to improved IPA supports and services for 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.