When we turn on our TVs or go to the movies, heteronormative relationships are almost all we see. It is rare to see a healthy and thriving LGBTQIA relationship in mainstream media. It is more common that the trope of the tragic lesbian is played out where her happy, healthy relationship is destroyed when her partner dies.

​

The reality is that there are millions of LGBTQIA people have healthy and lasting relationships. While no two relationships will be the same, it is important to recognize if you are in a healthy and productive relationship. At Love is Respect and at The Trevor Support Center, you can learn more about how to better understand your relationships with others and spot the signs of abuse.

 

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

In discussing domestic violence (emotional and physical) and sexual assault, the focus has largely been on heterosexual relationships with cisgender women as the victims. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), LGB people experience sexual violence at similar or higher rates than heterosexuals. Since LGBTQ people face higher rates of poverty, stigma, and marginalization, they are put at a higher risk of becoming victims of sexual assault, particularly hate-motivated violence.

 

The CDC found that 44% of lesbians and 61% of bisexual women experience rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. 26% of gay men and 37% of bisexual men have experienced the same (https://www.hrc.org/resources/sexual-assault-and-the-lgbt-community). 47% of transgender people are sexually assaulted at some point in their lifetime (https://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/USTS-Full-Report-FINAL.PDF).

 

Domestic violence and sexual assault does not discriminate and it is important to know what resources are out there for you as well as what options you have.

 

If you are a survivor or domestic violence or sexual assault, it is not your fault. Ever.

 

At the University of Maryland, there are several resources for you if you believe that you are a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence. This includes the Office of Civil Rights & Sexual Misconduct (OCRSM) where you can report sexual misconduct. You can also visit the Counseling Center where you can receive free and confidential support if you are a registered UMD student.

 

All faculty and staff supervisors are required to report sexual misconduct that they are aware of to the Office of Civil Rights & Sexual Misconduct. If you would like to speak to someone confidentially click here to view a list of confidential sources.

 

If you choose to speak with law enforcement, it is important to know your rights as well as what to expect. To learn more about your rights and what to expect when speaking with law enforcement, visit RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network).

Each state has their own definition of rape and sexual assault. Visit RAINN’s State Law Database to see how your state defines everything from rape to the statute of limitations.

 

 

Below is a list of LGBTQIA friendly resources where you can learn more about spotting an abusive relationship and where to get help:

 

Fenway Health Violence Recovery Program specializing in the LGBTQ Community

​

“What Rights Do I Have as an LGBT Victim of Domestic Violence?” by the National LGBT Bar Association 

​

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: LGBTQ Relationship Violence 

​

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)

​

Love Is Respect

​

Planned Parenthood LGBT Services