Interpersonal Violence Victimization Among Youth Entering College: A Preliminary Analysis Examining the Differences Between LGBTQ and Non-LGBTQ Youth

Abstract

Evidence from the literature suggests that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people are at greater risk of experiencing sexual victimization (SV) and intimate partner physical violence (IPPV) than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Although there has been a plethora of recent research investigating the victimization experiences among LGBTQ adults, little research has examined victimization among LGBTQ youth. The current study consists of a preliminary analysis that compares the prevalence rates of SV and IPPV between LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ youth entering college. First-year students at a large Midwestern university were asked to complete an online questionnaire containing comprehensive measures of SV and IPPV. Results suggested that LGBTQ youth (n = 41) experienced higher rates of nearly every type of violent victimization when compared with their non-LGBTQ peers (n = 350). These results support previous research, which suggests LGBTQ people are at increased risk to be sexually and physically victimized. The results also extended the extant literature by utilizing a subsample of LGBTQ youth, among whom there is a particular dearth of research, relative to adults. This research is a step toward understanding the types of victimization experiences encountered by LGBTQ youth and provides descriptive details that may help to inform future research, school policy, and interventions aimed at improving the safety, health, and well-being of the LGBTQ community.