LGBT Sexual Abuse Statistics Fall Short of Actual Incident Rates
Throughout the last 20 years, the justice system has made great strides in the area of sexual assault. Rape shield laws, increased penalties, and wrap-around services have all led to improved reporting of these horrific incidents. Yet, there is still a long way to go before all victims of sexual violence feel comfortable enough to seek justice for their injuries. Many people are still reluctant to report these crimes. This is especially true among victims within the LGBT communities, even though sexual assaults against these individuals occur at substantially higher rates.
Rates of sexual violence higher among LGBT community
Sexual violence among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people occurs at rates similar to or higher than heterosexuals. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) conducted a national survey regarding intimate partner and sexual violence. Findings relevant to the LGBT community included:
- Lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to experience rape, physical violence or stalking. The study showed that 44% of lesbians and 61% of bisexual women experience rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. This is significantly higher than the reported 35% of heterosexual women.
- Bisexual men are more likely to experience rape, physical violence, or stalking than gay or heterosexual men.
- Rates of rape among bisexual women are almost three times higher than those of heterosexual women and lesbians.
- Rates of sexual violence other than rape are about twice as high among gay and bisexual men. A reported 40% of gay men and 47% of bisexual men have experienced sexual violence other than rape. The study found that 21% of heterosexual men had been victims of such crimes.
- Transgender women experience sexual assault at higher rates than their transgender male counterparts.
Why LGBTQ sexual assault crimes go unreported
There are numerous reasons why gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender victims decide against reporting sexual crimes committed against them. Historically, laws against same-gender sexual relations worked to vilify this community, even for consensual sexual encounters. They also helped to foster widespread discrimination that exists to this day. When LGBT victims report incidents of sexual violence and assault, they are often met with lackluster law enforcement investigations and even made to feel as though they are at fault for what happened to them. Men are the least likely to report these crimes, partly due to the stigma that society places on male victims of sexual assault.
The availability of follow-up counseling has been integral to improved reporting rates of sexual assault within the heterosexual community. Unfortunately, many service providers lack adequate training about the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ victims, which leaves a gap in important services.
At Taylor & Ring, every case and client is handled with an unparalleled commitment to the pursuit of justice. If you were a victim of sexual violence in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, call us at 310-776-6390 to speak about your legal options. You may also fill out our convenient contact form to start the conversation. Se habla español
Serving clients throughout the Greater Los Angeles and Southern California area, we represent victims in a variety of civil litigation cases. If you or a loved one has been injured, turn to an experienced Los Angeles personal injury or sexual assault lawyer.
Find out more about Taylor & Ring.