LGBTQIA2S+

LGTBQIA2S+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify. 

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Intimate partner violence is a serious issue all relationships. Abuse in LGTBQIA2S+ relationships happens for the same reasons as in heterosexual relationships: to maintain control and power over one’s partner.  Intimate partner violence occurs in same-gender relationships at the same rate as heterosexual relationships (about 1 in 4).

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Intimate partner violence in the LGTBQIA2S+ community is extremely underreported. Because LGTBQIA2S+ individuals face a society oppressive and hostile towards them, LGTBQIA2S+ persons are often afraid of revealing their sexual orientation or the nature of their relationship in order to receive help. LGTBQIA2S+ communities can be small, and abuse survivors may have to plan for running into her or his abuser at meetings or community events.  Conversely, survivors may not know others who are LGTBQIA2S+, meaning that leaving the relationship could result in total isolation.  REACH understands the complexity of these issues and is happy to serve LGTBQIA2S+ survivors in making decisions about safety that will best serve the survivor.

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​Remember: no one deserves to experience abuse, and everyone deserves to be in a healthy and loving relationship.