Bernhard, L. A. (2000). Physical and sexual violence experienced by lesbian and heterosexual women. Violence Against Women, 6, 68-79.

The author sought to discover if there were differences in the violence experienced by lesbian and heterosexual women and whether lesbian and heterosexual women differ in their response to violence. A convenience sample of 136 lesbian and 79 heterosexual women (all subjects aged 19–67 years) completed a survey. The author found that while significantly more lesbians (51%) than heterosexual women (33%) reported nonsexual physical violence, there was no significant difference between the groups in the prevalence of sexual violence (lesbian 54%, heterosexual 44%). The author found that the principal actions for all women in response to violence were similar and that they included talking to someone, avoidance, or doing nothing. The author states that these “passive strategies” have limited value.

Topics: Prevalence; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender

Davies, M. (2002). Male sexual assault victims: A selective review of the literature and implications for support services. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 7, 203-214.

This article provides a general review of an understudied and overlooked topic: the prevalence and effects of sexual assault on male victims. Drawing upon numerous previous studies, the author refutes the myth that "men cannot be raped" and outlines the significant effects that sexual assault can have on male victims of both female and male perpetrators. For example, in the aftermath of a rape, male victims often question their sexual orientation or their masculinity. In some cases, they may experience the internalization of homophobic attitudes or guilt at not enjoying sexual activity with a woman. In other situations, they may be reluctant to report to friends or the police in fear of humiliation and of having their sexuality questioned. Experimental studies have shown that reactions to male sexual assault scenarios were determined by the perpetrator's gender and the victim's sexual orientation. Suggestions include the need for medical and other support services to have male-specific or gender-neutral literature available to male victims. In addition, future research needs to examine transgendered issues (i.e., gender identity vs. biological sex) and the response needs of partners of male victims. Given the paucity of exploration into potential issues on this subject, it is apparent that enhanced awareness and further research are expressly warranted.

Topics: Effects; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender; male rape

Freedner, N., Freed, L. H., Yang, W., & Austin, S. B. (2002). Dating violence among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents: Results from a community survey. Journal of Adolescent Health, 31, 469-474.

A growing concern within the public health domain is the impact that intimate partner violence is having not only among adults, but increasingly among adolescents as well. This study examined dating violence patterns among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual adolescents sampled from a youth rights rally in the Northeast in 2000. The questionnaire included items concerning demographic variables (e.g., gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, and living situation) as well as items adapted from the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Victimization and Dating Relationships Survey, and Conflict Tactics Scale. Results revealed that bisexual males and females were most likely to be threatened with outing by a partner. Additionally, bisexual males were more likely to report some type of abuse while bisexual females had greater odds of reporting sexual abuse when compared with the heterosexual adolescents. Dating violence as a phenomenon among adolescents clearly requires further investigation.

Topics: Adolescent/igh school; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender; prevalence

Heintz, A. J., & Melendez, R. M. (2006). Intimate partner violence and HIV/STD risk among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 21, 193-208.

The goal of the study was to examine HIV and sexually transmitted disease risk (STD) among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals who were in abusive relationships. Study participants were LGBT individuals who sought services for intimate partner violence. The survey data from 58 participants was analyzed. Almost half of the participants (41%) reported being forced to have sex with an intimate partner. A third of participants (31%) reported never engaging in safer sex practices with an abusive partner. Reasons for not engaging in safer sex protection included wanting to avoid problems with the partner and fearing partner's response. Several individuals reported experiencing verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse as a result of requesting safer sex. Implications for screening and safety planning are discussed.

Topics: Lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender

Hughes, T. L., Johnson, T., & Wilsnack, S. C. (2001). Sexual assault and alcohol abuse: A comparison of lesbians and heterosexual women. Journal of Substance Abuse, 13, 515-532.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between sexual assault and alcohol abuse among lesbian and heterosexual women. A sample of 63 lesbian and 57 heterosexual women (N = 120), 18 years and older, were recruited throughout a large urban area by means of advertisements in local newspapers and flyers. Several survey and interview questionnaires were included to assess childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and sexual orientation. Results indicated that lesbians reported more childhood sexual experiences and childhood sexual abuse. Furthermore, for both lesbian and heterosexual women, there was a significant relationship between childhood sexual abuse and lifetime alcohol abuse. Adult sexual assault, on the other hand, was associated with alcohol abuse only within the group of heterosexual women. Although adult sexual assault rates between both lesbian and heterosexual ar, the two groups reported differences concerning the type of perpetrator involved, whereby lesbians were more likely to have experienced sexual assault by a family member while heterosexual women were more likely to have been sexually assaulted by a date or a current partner. These results support prior research associating childhood sexual abuse with alcohol abuse. Due to the lack of random selection and the relatively small sample size, additional research regarding childhood sexual abuse and its impact on relationship dynamics is recommended, as well as additional research examining the relationship between sexual assault and alcohol abuse among lesbians.

Topics: Alcohol; effects; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender

Lankenau, S., Clatts, M., Welle, D., Goldsamt, L., & Gwadz, M. (2005). Street careers: Homelessness, drug use, and sex work among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). International Journal of Drug Policy, 16, 10-18. [Posted August 2006.]

Key Points: Effective social policies and interventions will recognize that homelessness, drug involvement, and sex work are interrelated aspects of the street economy.

Abstract: This article describes ethnographic interviews with ten young, homeless men who have sex with men in New York City. It describes the "street capital" these men have accumulated as they have participated in the street economy as sex workers, and the "street competencies" these men have learned while surviving on the street.

The article argues that these men began to accumulate "street capital" at an early age through experiences in various institutions, including their family, foster care, schools, hospitals, and jails. Combined with homelessness, different types of street capital combined with street competencies to result in street careers as sex workers participating in the street economy.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender; underserved populations

Ratner, P. A., Johnson, J. L., Shoveller, J. A., Chan, K., Martindale, S. L., Schilder, A. J., Botnick, M. R., & Hogg, R. S. (2003). Non-consensual sex experienced by men who have sex with men: Prevalence and association with mental health. Patient Education and Counseling, 49, 67-74.

The authors obtained completed questionnaires from 358 males between the ages of 19-35 who identify themselves as either gay or bisexual. The study measured prevalence rates of childhood sexual abuse, juvenile prostitution, and adult sexual assault. It also identified relationships between alcohol abuse, suicidal ideation and attempts, mood disorders, and poor self-esteem to measure the participants' mental health. The results how that 35% of the men experienced non-consensual sex, 14% were sexually abused as children and the same percentage reported that their first experience of sexual assault occurred when they were 14 years of age or older, and 10% of the men had been involved in juvenile prostitution. The results from this study show that gay and bisexual males do experience sexual assault, therefore, professionals have a responsibility to respond appropriately and effectively to their needs.

Topics: Lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender; male rape; prevalence

Rew, L., Whittaker, T., Taylor-Seehafer, M., & Smith, L. (2005). Sexual health risks and protective resources in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual homeless youth. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 10, 11-19. [Posted August 2006.]

Key Points: Services for homeless youth should be specific for both gender and sexual orientation.

Abstract: This article compares the sexual health risks taken by homeless youth who identify as gay, lesbian, or bi-sexual to those taken by homeless youth who identify as heterosexual. Survey data collected from 425 homeless adolescents between 16 and 20 years of age were analyzed.

More gay and lesbian youth reported sexual abuse, and being tested and treated for HIV than heterosexual youth. Gay and lesbian youth also scored lower on measures of assertive communication. Among gay, lesbian, and bi-sexual respondents, more males than females identified as homosexual and more females than males identified as bi-sexual.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender; underserved populations

Stermac, L., Sheridan, P. M., Davidson, A., & Dunn, S. (1996). Sexual assault of adult males. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 11, 52-64.

This study examines the instance and characteristics of sexual assault against 29 males (aged 18–65 years) who were seen in a crisis unit. The men's personal history, demographic, and assault information were reviewed. Results showed that 86% of the sexual assaults involved male perpetrators, one involved a female perpetrator, and two involved both. Within this sample, 50% of the male-male assaults and both of the female-male assaults involved friends or acquaintances. Most victims were young gay men, many of whom had cognitive or physical disabilities that made them vulnerable; however, only a few of the stranger assaults appeared to be related to antigay violence.

Topics: Lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender; male rape

Turell, S. (2000). A descriptive analysis of same-sex relationship violence for a diverse sample. Journal of Family Violence, 15, 281-293.

This study addresses the need for further research on the prevalence of abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender relationships. This study includes the responses from an ethnically diverse sample of 499 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people living in the Houston area. Participants were asked to complete a survey which asked them information about the prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in a current or past relationship. Reports indicate that 9% of the participants were being physically abused in their relationship while 32% had been physically abused in past relationships. Additionally, 1% reported currently being victims of forced sex within their relationship, 9% were forced into sex in past relationships, and 83% were emotionally abused. Demographic factors such as ethnicity and income were associated with significant differences regarding abuse.

Topics: Lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender; prevalence; racial/ethnic differences

Whitbeck, L., Chen, X., Hoyt, D., Tyler, K., & Johnson, K. (2004). Mental disorder, subsistence strategies, and victimization among gay, lesbian, and bisexual homeless and runaway adolescents. Journal of Sex Research, 41, 329-342. [Posted August 2006.]

Key Points: Gay, lesbian, and bisexual homeless youth are more likely to have been sexually and physically abused by caretakers or on the streets, to engage in risky survival strategies, and to meet the criteria for a mental disorder than heterosexual homeless youth.

Abstract: This study examined participation in deviant subsistence strategies, having been physically or sexually victimized while homeless, and lifetime prevalence of five mental disorders among self-identified heterosexual, gay, lesbian, and bisexual homeless adolescents in four Midwestern states. The mental disorders under consideration were conduct disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse.

The study revealed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents were more likely than heterosexuals to have been physically or sexually abused by caretakers, to engage in high-risk survival strategies (such as survival sex), to be physically and sexually victimized while homeless, and to meet the criteria for one of the mental disorders.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender; underserved populations

Updated 08/01/07