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Sexual Violence & the LGBTQ2S* Community
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Sexual violence is an ongoing problem for many communities across the world. It is a very complex issue that is influenced by a variety of different factors. There is a common perception that sexual violence only happens towards women but this is not always the case. People of any gender can experience sexual violence. Research has confirmed that those who belong to the LGBTQ2S* community tend to experience more sexual assaults and violence than the heterosexual population. The CDC conducted a national survey in 2010 and found that rates are significantly higher for those who identify on the LGBTQ2S* spectrum.
A Snapshot of Sexual Violence & the LGBTQ2S* Community
From recent research in the US and Canada, we know that approximately 44% of the LGBTQ2S* community have reported experiencing sexual violence. On the 2015 Transgender Survey that rate was a solid 47% of people who took the survey. It is extremely probable that this still is not even an accurate picture of what is really happening. Sexual assaults and violence are the most under-reported crimes in any community.
There are a lot of reasons why a person would be reluctant to report a sexual assault. Someone could feel ashamed or be concerned that no one will believe them. They could be afraid to make the report. They could even be emotionally traumatized enough that they don’t feel they are able to go through the process.
When we are looking at the LGBTQ2S* population, we are already a layering of complex issues. Many people who are part of these communities experience problems with self-esteem, acceptance from their family, or other issues related to their identity and orientation. They also experience a high level of discrimination in most areas of the world. Even in places where it is more accepted, there are still cases of hate crimes as well as less violent forms of discrimination. When all these factors are combined with the culture of victim-blaming that surrounds sexual assault, it’s clear that we will only get a percentage of reports instead of the full picture.
Support People to Reach Out for Help
There is still a lot of work to do be done in our society around sexual assault. We still need to build a lot of awareness. Sexual assault can happen to anyone by anyone. People need to be able to challenge their preconceived notions about what sexual violence looks like and who are the victims.
We also need to continue to empower and support victims/survivors. We need to help people to feel comfortable and secure reaching out for help. It can be hard to know where to look for professional supports. So here is a short list of some places and resources that can be contacted for more information.
- Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime
- VictimsInfo
- AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre
- Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan
- Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres
- Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services
Challenge Your Perceptions About Sexual Assault & the LGBTQ2S* Community
The more we continue to learn about sexual assault, the more we come to realize how much we actually need to challenge our preconceived perceptions of what we know. Sexual assault is not always what it’s depicted in movies or on TV. What most people think they know about sexual violence is actually only a small part or totally inaccurate. How much do you know? Never stop challenging your perceptions and learning more. Each person educating themselves is how we will take steps forward to real change. Share this article with your circles today & have some meaningful conversation.
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