Domestic abuse in special segments
Goal
To understand domestic abuse in different kinds of segments in the society.
Domestic abuse is not limited to opposite-sex or married couples. The teens form a very vulnerable segment of the society who need education, love, and support to deal with relationship abuse. This is called teen dating violence. Moreover, domestic abuse often occurs in the LGBTQ+ couples where the laws become complicated and the stigma becomes two-fold. We will explain domestic abuse in these two segments here.
Teen dating violence
Teen dating violence is also a form of intimate partner violence. It has the same signs and effects as domestic violence and is as damaging to the victim. Teen dating violence is often not reported because of fear of friends and family, or consequences at school. Stalking online and offline is a common form of abuse among teens. Lack of support resources, guidance, and maturity causes long and short-term negative effects on the victims.
A 2013 CDC survey found that 10% high school students suffered from physical and/or sexual victimization from their partner in the year before the survey.
For more information on teen dating violence, refer to this fact sheet http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/teen-dating-violence-factsheet-a.pdf
It is important to watch out for signs of teen dating violence and report to a trusted adult. Older family members, teachers, or school counselors are often trustworthy people to seek support from. If you are a witness to teen relationship abuse, do not hesitate to refer your friend to a teen helpline or to a trusted adult.
Domestic abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships
According to The National Violence Against Women survey, following percentage of respondents experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetimes -
- 7.1% men and 20.4% women in opposite-sex relationships
- 21.5% men and 35.4% women in same-sex relationships
- 34.5% transgender respondents
Domestic abuse cases become more complicated with the LGBTQ+ community. With same-sex couples, the laws become fuzzy, and the authorities sometimes find it hard to get a direction to proceed. There are safety issues for the victims that need to be addressed. For example-
Many victims have not yet come out and suffering in silence is the only option.
There is a stigma about making the LGBTQ+ community look bad.
Also, the victim in a same-sex couple is unsafe in the restrooms, lockers, and common areas where there is a physical threat from the abuser.
Seek help - Most LGBTQ+ support agencies provide special resources for support in cases of domestic abuse.
