LGBTQ Survivors

Sexual assault, rape and dating violence happen to women, men, and children of all ages, races, classes, sexual/gender orientations, religions and educational levels. While all survivors of sexual and relationship violence experience a similar range of reactions, male survivors, survivors of color, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered survivors are also likely struggling with the additional burdens of stereotypes, racism and homophobia, often leaving them feeling even more isolated and less likely to seek support. The following provides additional suggestions for offering support to LGBTQ survivors:

• The Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Life at Duke (http://lgbt.studentaffairs.duke.edu/ or 684-6607). The staff at CAPS and SASS are trained to work with LGBTQ survivors.
• An LGBTQ victim may not label the violence for fear of being “outed” or not believed.
• In the case of same sex dating violence and abuse they may fear being “outed” by the person who abused them.
  
• If a LGBTQ victim is not “out” to their family, then finding family support may be difficult or impossible.
• The LGBTQ community tends to be small and the victim may be afraid of what might be shared through the grapevine.
• If a person is more “closeted” they may choose to stay with an abusive partner longer because they do not have other friends for support.
• If a victim trusts you with revealing their sexual identity,  keep that confidential. Outing someone is never acceptable.
• Remember to use the word “partner” rather than "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" to be inclusive, unless the victim uses a different word.