Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Victims’ Reporting Behaviors to Informal and Formal Sources

Abstract

This study provides estimates of reporting victimization to formal (such as the police) and informal sources among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. This study also compares the estimates to non-LGB victims. Finally, we examine what factors predict reporting to these different sources and whether LGB status is related to reporting. This study analyzed data from the 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), which was administered from January 22, 2010, through December 31, 2010 (Black et al., 2011, The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 summary report, p. 9). Study analyses were restricted to cases in which the respondent answered the NISVS sexual violence section and reported at least one incident of sexual victimization in their lifetime (N = 6030, weight = 81,582,021). A series of multivariate logistic regression models were computed. Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual increased the odds of reporting to formal sources. When examining different informal reporting sources separately, however, LGB individuals were only at a significantly higher odds of reporting to mental health providers. Several factors related to the victimization event were also related to reporting to formal sources. Among informal reporting practices, being LGB decreased odds of reporting to a family member and increased the odds of reporting the incident to an intimate partner. Even though LGB people have a higher risk of sexual victimization compared to non-LGB individuals, they do not tend to report to formal criminal justice agencies more than non-LGB persons. In fact, the current study found no differences between LGB and non-LGB reporting to police when controlling for other relevant variables. Since formal reporting is needed to ensure a criminal justice response, police departments and other formal support sources should seek to encourage reporting by LGB victims.