Mental Health Awareness Month

This year marks the 54th anniversary since 1970, when the first Pride March was held in New York City. The queer community has steadily gained the rights it deserves through hardship. June is a month to reflect on and take pride in how far we have come, alongside those who belong to the queer community and those who have fought alongside and continue to support their rights. However, it is important to note that prejudice and mistreatment of the queer community still exist. It is up to queer people to come together to address this issue and continue moving forward every day to secure their rights and live their lives as they deserve.

Here, I want to draw attention to those in the queer community who endure Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) daily without a voice. IPV and Domestic Violence (DV) occur not only among heterosexual couples but also among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender couples. Statistics show that in some cases, these forms of violence occur at even higher rates than among heterosexual couples. The reality is that they face a lot of stigma and prejudice, making it challenging for them to access the support they need.

Lesbian and Bisexual women are more likely than Heterosexual women to have experienced IPV in their lifetime

The CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) shows that women (32.9%) are more likely than men (28.1%) to have been victims of partner violence in the past. Within the same statistics, among the queer community, 56% of bisexual women reported experiencing partner violence. Compared to heterosexual women, bisexual women are 1.8 times more likely to experience partner violence. Additionally, 40.4% of lesbian women have been victims of IPV, which is approximately 8% higher than among heterosexual women.

First, there is the issue of silence and prejudice against violence within the queer community. Historically, fear of speaking out against violence has been prevalent among sexual minorities. Not only are queer communities socially marginalized, but they also face various prejudices that hinder speaking out, stemming from fears of exposure regarding their sexuality and doubts about receiving support if they do come forward. For queer women, this challenge is compounded by dual prejudices of misogyny and homophobia when reporting victimization. Additionally, bisexual women may encounter biphobic prejudice within the queer community.

Secondly, traditional feminist views that emphasize masculinity versus femininity can deter queer women from reporting violence. This is due to the stereotype that men are typically perpetrators of IPV and the misconception that women, perceived as physically weaker, do not inflict harm. There is a widespread misunderstanding that IPV is not inherently tied to gender but rather to power dynamics and control within relationships. Regrettably, there is also resistance within feminist circles to actively discuss lesbian IPV, as it may challenge prevailing notions of misogyny and patriarchy-driven abuse typically attributed to men (which could disrupt the woman-versus-man paradigm).

Third, there is a lack of awareness, education, and support services specifically tailored to address IPV within the queer community. Many victims hesitate to leave their abusers because they, along with those around them, perceive IPV as primarily a problem in heterosexual relationships and lack access to support resources that cater to sexual minorities. Many shelters are ill-equipped to assist sexual minority women, leading lesbian and bisexual women to often avoid seeking refuge there. A study by Balsam (2001) revealed that over 60% of lesbian women who were victims of IPV did not leave their partners or seek help from women’s shelters.

Furthermore, the high prevalence of HIV in the queer community exacerbates the situation. HIV-positive IPV victims fear dying alone if they leave their partners, while those with HIV-positive IPV partners feel unable to abandon their sick loved ones. Some victims contract HIV through sexual violence, such as demands for unprotected sex from their partners. Thus, IPV within the queer community carries similar risks as in the heterosexual community, yet specific factors within the queer community suppress victims’ voices in addressing IPV.

What kind of abusive behaviors are included in queer couple？

IPV is abuse or aggression by romantic/sexual partners. Essentially, the same abuses can occur in sexual minority couples as in heterosexual couples. However, queer communities have experienced social stigmas, leading to different manifestations of IPV. There are several specific types of abusive behaviors in IPV among queer couples, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, similar to those seen in heterosexual couples.

Please review the following examples:

Pressuring or threatening a partner to come out or remain closeted
Saying a partner’s LGBTQ identities are insufficient or excessive
Denying that IPV exists in queer communities
Turning mutual friends against a partner
Physically targeting a partner’s genitals or chest in violence
Cutting off a partner’s access to hormones
Denying sexual protections because LGBTQ sex is considered safer
Isolating a partner using homophobia

These are just a few examples of IPV by abusive partners. If you have experienced similar behaviors from your partner, please talk to your friends, family, or seek support from relevant organizations. You are not alone, and you deserve support and understanding.

Places You Can Consult

Sylvia’s Place 269-673-8700

Youth Support including LGBTQ+ : Ozone House (734) 662-2222

Transgender Support : Transgender Michigan

Shelters/ Safe housing service for LGBTQ+ : Ruth Ellis Center

Immediate Help : Equality Michigan 313-537-7000

Reference

Library of Congress. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month. https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about/

Taylor N.T. Brown and Jody L. Herman(2015). Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Abuse Among LGBT People. A review of existing research. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/ipv-sex-abuse-lgbt-people/

Rollè L, Giardina G, Caldarera AM, Gerino E, Brustia P(2018). When Intimate Partner Violence Meets Same Sex Couples: A Review of Same Sex Intimate Partner Violence. Front Psychol. 21https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6113571/

National LGBT Health Education Center. Recognizing and Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in Relationships of LGBTQ People:A PRIMER FOR HEALTH CENTERS. https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/TFIR-158_Intimate-Partner-Violence-Brief_web_spreads.pdf

HRC Foundation(2022). Understanding Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community. https://www.hrc.org/resources/understanding-intimate-partner-violence-in-the-lgbtq-community

Balsam K. F. (2001). Nowhere to hide: lesbian battering, homophobia, and minority stress. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315808987-3/nowhere-hide-kimberly-balsam

May is the mental health awareness month! We need to focus on our mental health and increase awareness of how important it is. Mental health is an important part of our lives, however, there is still a stigma associated with mental health and it is looked over compared to physical health. Let’s take a deep breath here, and put our eyes on the mental well-being of ourselves, our families, and our loved ones.

Emotional and psychological abuses are more common in IPV

When you hear the words “intimate partner violence” or “domestic violence,” what immediately comes to mind is physical abuse or sexual assault. In reality, however, in cases of “intimate partner violence,” emotional and psychological abuse is more common and occurs more often than physical abuse. For example, research among North Carolina women (Smith et al., 2002) found that 18.4% of women experienced at least one form of intimate partner abuse. However, of those who experienced some form of abuse, only 1.9% experienced only physical assault, and only 1.1% experienced only sexual assault. In other words, it is not an exaggeration to say that emotional and psychological abuse is more prevalent than physical abuse and occurs more frequently than physical abuse.

What is emotional and psychological abuse?

There is no significant difference between them. It is just said that psychological abuse is a narrower definition than emotional abuse and psychological abuses include manipulative control behavior to the victims. Please look at an example of emotional and psychological abuse.

How does it destroy your mental health?

Survivors often internalize their partner’s verbal abuse. Even if they initially question their partner’s words and actions, as they continue to be verbally abused on a daily basis, they come to believe what their partner is saying. They then internalize the self-denial from others, believing that wrong ideas such as “I am stupid and worthless”. Even after they realize that this was emotional and mental abuse, they blame themselves for their situation and feel anger toward themselves. According to an article by American Phychiatiric Association, approximately 20% of IPV survivors have major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What are the initial signs we can notice?

Emotional and psychological abuse is often difficult to recognize, especially in the early stages. If there is violent behavior from the beginning, it is not difficult to avoid, but in many cases, there is no particular problem initially. A partner who was kind to you at first may gradually begin to say and do things to mentally control you. Once under the abuser’s control, many victims find it difficult or impossible to get out of the situation. That is why it is important to recognize disturbing signs in the early stages.A person who inflicts emotional or physical abuse on a partner may show the following signs early in the relationship.

These are just a few examples. Emotional and psychological abuse can permeate your relationship with your partner and is difficult to recognize. If you have experienced this form of abuse, do not blame yourself. The abuse is not your fault. Even if your family or friends tell you that you are allowing yourself to be abused, the abuse is not your fault; it is the fault of the abuser. If you are being abused by a partner or family member, it is essential that you seek help and support to end the emotionally or psychologically abusive relationship.

Places Where You Can Consult

Sylvia’s Place 269-673-8700

the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline (free and confidential resource for victims to call, text or chat) 1-866-VOICEDV

Reference

Lifespan (2024). The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month. https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/importance-mental-health-awareness-month
Women’s law.org (2021). Emotional and Psychological Abuse. https://www.womenslaw.org/about-abuse/forms-abuse/emotional-and-psychological-abuse
Mechanic MB, Weaver TL, Resick PA. Mental health consequences of intimate partner abuse: a multidimensional assessment of four different forms of abuse. Violence Against Women. 2008 Jun;14(6):634-54. doi: 10.1177/1077801208319283. PMID: 18535306; PMCID: PMC2967430. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2967430/
Mayumi Okuda Benavides, M.D., Obianuju O. Berry, M.D., M.P.H., Molly Mangus(2019). Intimate Partner Violence A Guide for Psychiatrists Treating IPVSurvivors. American Phychiatry Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/diversity/education/intimate-partner-violence
Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline. https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/publicsafety/crimevictims/assistance/domestic-violence-hotline

Strengthen Understanding and Support for Survivors

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and April 21-27 was National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). Every year in April, we celebrate this week to increase understanding about victimization and how crime affects survivors, their families, loved ones, friends, and communities. At Sylvia’s Place, we especially focus on supporting survivors of sexual assaults and intimate partner violence.

This year’s theme was ‘Building Connected Communities.‘ Survivors of sexual violence are subjected to various forms of victim blaming by society and experience stigma as victims on a daily basis. To gradually reduce this structure of victim blaming, it is important for the community as a whole to better understand and support survivors of sexual assault.

More than half of DV incidents are not reported

In 2022, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), there were 951,930 intimate partner violence victimizations and 1,370,440 domestic violence victimizations, with nearly half of them not reported to police.

In Michigan alone, according to the Michigan State Police’s Incident Crime Report, 64,545 people have been victims of domestic violence, and members of LGBTQ+ communities face equal or higher risks of intimate partner violence compared to heterosexuals. Unfortunately, society remains unsafe, and those closest to us may be harmed.

How do we talk and provide support to survivors?

How should you respond if a friend, family member, or loved one who is important to you has been victimized and confides in you?

1. Acknowledgement and Empathy

It takes a lot of courage to open up about your experience of sexual victimization or intimate violence. The first thing to do is to thank them for sharing their experience. Then, it is important to show empathy by “acknowledging” their experience, not denying it, and showing empathy by saying,

“Thank you for sharing your painful experience with me. I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m sorry it had come to this.”

2. Providing Support

Communicating that you are always willing to listen can provide victims with a sense of security. The mere act of listening can be a great support, as it reminds victims that when they remember painful experiences, they have someone close at hand whom they can talk to. You can say,

” if you ever need to talk, I’m always here to listen and I care about you. Never feel alone.”

3. Believe the Victim’s Story

Eight out of ten perpetrators of sexual assault are people known to the victim or someone the victim knows, and 33% of sexual assaults are committed by a current or past intimate partner. Therefore, victims are constantly exposed to their own inner voice and public accusations that they may have been wronged. That is why it is so important to acknowledge the victim’s story and believe them.

“I believe you. You are not at fault, and what happened to you is absolutely unforgivable.”

Not being sure what to say to them is what happens when you don’t want to hurt your loved ones any more than they already are. Even if you are not able to say the perfect words, do not blame yourself. Often, family and friends who support the victim can also be under a lot of emotional strain during the support process. It is important that you offer as much support as you can and guide the victim to seek professional help.