Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersexual
LGBTQI people often face unique challenges when trying to cope with domestic violence. The assumption by family, friends, coworkers, and professionals that abuse is mutual in homosexual couples or is an expected part of what is perceived as a dysfunctional relationship, since it is not heterosexual, poses major obstacles to battered LGBTQI individuals in getting help. Other barriers for LGBTQI battered men and women include the fear of losing their jobs, home, and/or custody of their children should their sexual orientation become known in the context of getting help for intimate partner abuse. If LGBTQI individuals do not receive the legal and financial protections their heterosexual counterparts do, it can inhibit their ability to support themselves and live independently after leaving the abuser.
Discrimination against LGBTQI people and other minorities is also a deterrent to receiving care. Another obstacle includes a lack of knowing other admitted LGBTQI victims of domestic violence, as well as the smallness of the community. This can make it difficult for battered men and women in the LGBTQI community to live anonymously from their abuser in the same town.
