PCADV recognizes that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and all others within the LGBTQ spectrum (LGBTQ+) experience domestic violence and abuse at a high rate.
We work on the state and local level to make sure that LGBTQ+ victims and survivors get the help that they need. We also provide training and resources for the 59 local Pennsylvania domestic violence programs so they can provide meaningful services to LGBTQ+ victims and survivors.
PCADV's LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Brochure
Violencia Doméstica y la Comunidad LGBTQ+
Domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community is unique compared to other communities. Abusive partners utilize tactics of abuse that are specific to LGBTQ+ people and relationships including:
- Controlling and/or questioning the victim’s gender identity or gender expression. For example, by refusing to allow them to dress in clothes and wear or use gender affirming devices such as binders and gaffs. They may also refuse to use the victim’s pronouns, and/or refuse to use their chosen name.
- Questioning or not believing the victim’s sexual orientation. For example, telling them that they’re really just gay, not bisexual. Or, that pansexuality doesn’t exist.
- Calling their partner names that are homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic like “freak” or telling them that they’re not “gay enough” or “trans enough.”
- Pressuring a victim to come out or threatening to out the victim to family, doctors, friends, employers, etc.
- Withholding hormones like testosterone injections.
- Forcing the victim to speak to priests and other faith leaders to “cure” them of their homosexuality/bisexuality/transness, etc.
We work on the state and local level to make sure that LGBTQ+ victims and survivors get the help that they need.
Gender & Sexual Justice Caucus
The Gender & Sexual Justice Caucus is a membership-based caucus made up of PCADV staff and advocates from the local Pennsylvania domestic violence programs. They are committed to confronting all forms of oppression based on perceived/actual sexual or gender identity and/or expression. This caucus works to influence policy, standards, procedures, and practices to ensure consideration and implementation of best practices related to LGBTQ+ oppression.
Caucus info for Member Programs
Resource LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Brochure
This printable bi-fold brochure contains information about identifying abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships. It is also available in Spanish: https://www.pcadv.org/wp-content/uploads/LGBTQ-Brochure_Spanish.pdf
Resource Gender Pronouns & Why They Are Important
A person’s pronouns convey their gender identity. Transgender, gender nonconforming, gender-fluid, non-binary, and other LGBTQ+ people use a wide variety of pronouns that affirm who they are.
Education & Advocacy Resources
Online Course — Restricted Access Introduction to LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence
PCADV’s online learning module gives an overview of important events in LGBTQ+ history, explains the barriers faced by LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, and provides an in-depth look into the dynamics of abuse that occur in LGBTQ+ relationships.
Exclusive to affiliates of PCADV member programs.
Additional Resources:
PCADV offers trauma-informed care training for professionals caring for victims of domestic violence.