LGBTQ Later Life Intimate Partner Violence Barriers to Acknowledgement Typical definition of domestic violence = men’s violence against female partners Above is part of reason LGBTQ groups tend to talk about ‘intimate partner violence’ instead No widespread data collection on LGBTQ populations Elder generations tend to be more private & self-sufficient, particularly if LGBTQ Elder generations tend to believe DV/IPV is just to be endured Victims’ reluctance to get abusers into trouble/expose them to authorities Professionals not recognizing same-sex IPV, particularly if they are looking at “roommates” National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (2013) Lifetime IPV rates: 61% bisexual women 44% lesbians 37% bisexual men 35% heterosexual women 29% heterosexual men 26% gay men
Resources Learning more A Self-Help Guide for LGBT Older Adults and Their Caregivers and Loved Ones: Preventing, Recognizing, and Addressing Elder Abuse http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/resource.cfm?r=584 (includes LGBT-specific abuse tactics and prevention recommendations for both elders and concerned adults; also discusses key aging network resources) Identifying and Assisting LGBT Elder Abuse Clients: A Guide for Abuse Professionals http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/resource.cfm?r=583 (includes LGBTQ 101) LGBTQ Partner Abuse http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/resource.cfm?r=595 (not aging specific) LGBT elder-specific sweetheart scams http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/resource.cfm?r=784
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PO Box 1272 | Milwaukee, WI 53201 | AskFORGE@forge-forward.org | 414-559-2123 | www.forge-forward.org
LGBTQ Later Life Intimate Partner Violence LGBTQ-specific tools Trans-specific Safety Planning Tool http://forge-forward.org/wp-content/docs/safety-planning-tool.pdf (publication is aimed at trans survivors but would be a useful guide for anyone) Trans-specific Power and Control Tactics http://forge-forward.org/wp-content/docs/power-control-tactics-categories_FINAL.pdf
Finding services National Domestic Violence Hotline www.thehotline.org (800) 799-7233 National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life Directory http://www.ncall.us/ncall-abuse-in-later-life-directory/ (directory of servies still does not indicate whether services are available to men) National Coalition of [LGBTQ] Anti-Violence Programs http://www.avp.org/about-avp/423
Victims’ rights New rights under the Violence Against Women Act http://forge-forward.org/wp-content/docs/know-your-rights-VAWA-fact-sheet.pdf (publication is aimed at trans survivors but is very pertinent to non-trans LGB survivors)
April 2017
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PO Box 1272 | Milwaukee, WI 53201 | AskFORGE@forge-forward.org | 414-559-2123 | www.forge-forward.org