Work

Help-seeking among lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender victims/survivors of domestic violence and abuse: The impacts of cisgendered heteronormativity and invisibility

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Despite growing research into domestic violence and abuse (DVA) in lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans (LGB and/or T) people’s relationships, LGB and/or T people remain largely invisible in DVA policy and practice. Research evidence indicates that they primarily seek help from privatised sources such as counsellors/therapists and friends. The gap in knowledge about LGB and/or T victims/survivors’ help-seeking reflects and reinforces the success of neoliberal trends in privatising social problems by promoting self-care and individual responsibility. Using qualitative data from a mixed-methods UK study, this article offers an ecological analysis of LGB and/or T victims/survivors’ help-seeking decisions and barriers, demonstrating how cisgendered heteronormativity and LGBT invisibility permeate help-seeking at individual, interpersonal and socio-cultural levels. The conclusion argues for LGBT DVA to be recognised as a social problem rather than a private trouble. Recommendations are offered for necessary steps towards better recognising and supporting LGB and/or T victims/survivors.

Source: Journal of Sociology

DOI: 10.1177/1440783319882088

Authors: Catherine Donovan, Rebecca Barnes

Institutions: Durham University, University of Leicester

Language: English

Topic: Intimate Partner and Family Violence

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Economic and Social Research Council