LGBTQ + community perceptions of domestic abuse, responsivity and inclusion within the criminal justice system

Abstract

Whilst research on the LGBTQ + community, Domestic Abuse (DA) and the Criminal Justice System (CJS) is expanding, the LGBTQ + community have often been hidden from societal discourses within the CJS and overlooked in the wider narrative of DA. This study was guided by a queer theoretical framework, using semi-structured interview data from 10 LGBQ + participants in the UK to explore the voices of this community, gaining insight into their perceptions of domestic abuse, and how inclusive and responsive the CJS are currently in their approaches to the LGBTQ + community and LGBTQ + DA. An experiential thematic analysis of the data identified four themes including ‘Unique forms of abuse’, ‘LGBTQ + Domestic Abuse is hidden and unrecognizable’, ‘Double Discrimination…our identities, our experiences’ and ‘LGBTQ + Awareness and Domestic Abuse…Past, Present and Future.’ LGBQ + participants discussed the specific multi-layered complexities attached to LGBTQ + DA and described the current narrative of LGBTQ + DA as invisible and discriminatory. Participants offered insights related to CJS approaches of LGBTQ + DA, such as implementing specialist LGBTQ + DA training and creating visible awareness of LGBTQ + DA. In addition, participants offered suggestions of content to LGBTQ + DA Perpetrator Programmes. Together, these perceptions and related suggestions propose future directions of inclusive and responsive practice within the CJS for LGBTQ + victims/perpetrators of domestic abuse.