Report on Domestic Abuse in LGBTQ Communities: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

This report examines the case of Mollie, a trans woman who experienced emotional and identity-based abuse in a five-year relationship. Her story highlights critical issues related to domestic violence within LGBTQ communities, emphasizing the need for awareness, support, and legal protections aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Case Overview: Emotional and Identity-Based Abuse

Mollie’s partner engaged in coercive control tactics, including:

• Invalidation of Mollie’s gender identity by using her deadname during conflicts.
• Discouragement from socializing and attending LGBTQ community events, accusing her of seeking attention.
• Financial control by refusing to fund hormone therapy, labeling it a luxury.

These actions led Mollie to social and professional isolation, fostering feelings of unworthiness and fear of rejection.

Challenges in Recognizing Abuse Among LGBTQ Victims

Invisible Nature of Non-Physical Abuse

Many LGBTQ survivors, like Mollie, struggle to identify their experiences as abuse due to the absence of physical injuries and limited legal recognition of non-physical abuse forms such as emotional and psychological abuse. This invisibility often results in prolonged trauma and delayed help-seeking behavior.

Barriers to Legal Protection

Current legal frameworks frequently fail to acknowledge coercive control unless accompanied by physical harm, leaving many victims without adequate protection. This gap undermines SDG 16, which promotes access to justice and effective institutions.

Impact of Political and Social Context on LGBTQ Support

Dwindling Resources and Minority Stress

The LGBTQ community faces minority stress—additional psychological burdens due to stigma and underrepresentation. This stress is exacerbated by insufficient laws and unequal resource allocation, further marginalizing victims of domestic violence and hindering their access to support services.

Recent Shifts in Acceptance and Protection

Although progress was made towards inclusive laws protecting intimate partners regardless of gender or sexuality, recent political changes have reversed some gains, reducing the availability of support and increasing vulnerability among LGBTQ individuals.

Recommendations for Addressing Domestic Violence in LGBTQ Communities

1. Enhance Awareness and Education: Promote understanding of coercive control and emotional abuse within LGBTQ populations to empower victims to recognize and report abuse.
2. Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Advocate for laws that explicitly recognize and address non-physical abuse, ensuring comprehensive protection aligned with SDG 16.
3. Increase Support Services: Expand accessible, culturally competent mental health and social support services tailored to LGBTQ survivors, supporting SDG 3 and SDG 5.
4. Address Minority Stress: Implement community programs to reduce stigma and provide safe spaces, fostering resilience and social inclusion.
5. Monitor Political Developments: Engage policymakers to safeguard and advance LGBTQ rights and protections against domestic violence.

Resources for Victims

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 (800)-799-SAFE (7233)
• Human Rights Campaign – Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ Community
• Psychology Today Therapy Directory for mental health support

Conclusion

Mollie’s experience underscores the urgent need to address domestic violence within LGBTQ communities through comprehensive strategies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. By enhancing awareness, legal protections, and support services, society can better protect vulnerable populations and promote health, equality, and justice.

Adapted from “Invisible Bruises: How A Better Understanding of the Patterns of Domestic Abuse Can Help Survivors Navigate the Legal System.”

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses mental health issues related to emotional and psychological abuse, trauma, and minority stress experienced by LGBTQ individuals.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Focus on violence against women and LGBTQ individuals, addressing gender identity abuse and discrimination.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Highlights the marginalization and lack of adequate legal protections and resources for LGBTQ victims of domestic violence.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Concerns about insufficient legal frameworks to protect victims of non-physical abuse and coercive control.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol (implied in mental health support).
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights (implied through hormone therapy access).
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Prevalence of mental health disorders and access to mental health services (implied through therapy and support resources).
   • Number of people receiving mental health support or therapy.
2. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Proportion of women and LGBTQ individuals subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by intimate partners or others.
   • Access to reproductive health services including hormone therapy for transgender individuals.
3. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Existence and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ individuals.
   • Access to social and legal support services for marginalized groups.
4. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of reported cases of domestic violence including non-physical abuse.
   • Legal recognition and protection against coercive control and psychological abuse.
   • Access to justice and legal remedies for victims of domestic violence.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: psychologytoday.com