Family violence in the LGBTIQA community

Research indicates that abuse in same-sex relationships occurs at a similar or greater rate than the occurrence for cisgender heterosexual women. For the transgender community, rates of occurrence of domestic and family violence have been found to be between 60% and 80%. There are forms of family violence that are uniquely experienced by the LGBTIQA+ community, or at greater rates than the broader community. These include:

• violence from family members such as parents, siblings, extended family and children
• family exile
• forced marriage
• honour abuse
• ‘corrective’ rape
• kidnap and deportation
• conversion therapy.

If a staff member has not disclosed their LGBTIQA+ identity, or is HIV+, they may also experience threats to ‘out’ the person to family members, work colleagues or children. This can also be a barrier to seeking support.

Team members within the Safer Community Unit are LGBTIQA+ Allies at Monash. Specialist support and further information specifically for LGBTIQA+ staff and students can be found in the SCU’s Family violence information sheet and Family violence information booklet (both available below).