Chapter 14 - Sexual Assault Risk and Prevention Among Sexual and Gender Minority Populations

Abstract

Sexual assault is a prevalent public health problem that differentially impacts sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations compared with their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. In this chapter, we define sexual minorities considering both sexual orientation identity (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual) and sexual behavior (those who have same-sex sexual partners). Gender minorities are defined as people whose gender identity does not align with their sex designation at birth (i.e., transgender, genderqueer, not on the binary). SGM populations often experience ongoing discrimination because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, which fuels violence perpetration against them and hinders disclosure of violence victimization. Survivors of sexual assault regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity may experience numerous poor mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use, nonsuicidal self-injury, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts (Bonomi, Anderson, Rivara, & Thompson, 2007; Campbell, Dworkin, & Cabral, 2009; Clements-Nolle, Marx, & Katz, 2006; Hequembourg, Bimbi, & Parsons, 2011; Ratner et al., 2003; Temple, Weston, Rodriguez, & Marshall, 2007; Tomasula, Anderson, Littleton, & Riley-Tillman, 2012; Turchik, 2012). Sexual assault also carries significant sexual and reproductive health impacts; survivors are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior (e.g., inconsistent condom use, multiple sex partners) and experience pain with sexual intercourse, decreased sexual pleasure, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancy (Fuentes, 2008; Golding, 1996; Hequembourg et al., 2011; Noll, Trickett, & Putnam, 2003; Turchik, 2012). Given the deleterious impacts of sexual assault and unique vulnerabilities faced by SGM populations, we review the research on the prevalence of sexual assault among sexual and gender minorities, discuss risk and protective factors for sexual assault related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and highlight gaps in the sexual violence prevention and intervention field for SGM populations.