The
first set of national prevalence data on intimate partner violence
(IPV), sexual violence (SV), and stalking victimization
by sexual orientation was released recently by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
The study found that lesbians and gay men
reported IPV and SV over their lifetimes at levels equal to or higher
than those of heterosexuals; with sexual orientation
based on respondents’ identification at the time of the survey.
The
data presented in this report do not indicate whether violence occurs
more often in same-sex or opposite sex couples. Rather,
the data show the prevalence of lifetime victimization of intimate
partner violence, sexual violence and stalking of respondents who
self-identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual at the time of the survey
and describe violence experienced with both same-sex
and opposite-sex partners.
“We
know that violence affects everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.
This report suggests that lesbians, gay men and bisexuals
in this country suffer a heavy toll of sexual violence and stalking
committed by an intimate partner.” said
CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden. “While intervening and providing services are important, prevention is equally critical.”
The
National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) is
designed to better describe and understand the level of IPV,
SV, and stalking victimization in the United States. Using 2010 data
from NISVS, this report is the first to provide national data that
examines IPV, SV and stalking by sexual orientation. Further research is
needed in order to fully understand the experience
of interpersonal violence that impact LGB individuals and their
communities. This information is critical to informing prevention programs and policies aimed at reducing these types of victimization.
Other key findings after the jump.
- The majority of women who reported experiencing sexual violence, regardless of their sexual orientation, reported that they were victimized by male perpetrators.
- Nearly half of female bisexual victims (48.2 percent) and more than one-quarter of female heterosexual victims (28.3 percent) experienced their first rape between the ages of 11 and 17 years.
CDC will work to create resources to bring attention to these issues within lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
communities.
For more information about NISVS, including study details, please visit
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nisvs/index.html.
To watch webinars that discuss the NISVS 2010 Summary findings, please visit
PreventConnect, a national online project
dedicated to the primary prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence.
CDC’s Injury Center works to prevent injuries and violence and their adverse health consequences.
- For more information about sexual violence, please visit:
- For more information about intimate partner violence prevention, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/intimatepartnerviolence/index.html.
Other services and resources:
- National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP)
- Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their web site at National Domestic Violence Hotline. You may also contact your local battered women shelter.
- The National Center for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center web site