LGBTQ+ Abuse Awareness Month is observed each June in conjunction with Pride Month, focusing on the troubling rates of abuse experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
According to the CDC, 44% of lesbian women and 61% of bisexual women experience rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lives, compared to 35% of heterosexual women. For men, 26% of gay men and 37% of bisexual men report similar experiences, compared to 29% of heterosexual men.
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Furthermore, more than half of transgender and nonbinary individuals have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, according to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey.
Despite these alarming statistics, LGBTQ+ survivors often face significant barriers to obtaining support, including discriminatioån, a lack of culturally competent services, and the fear of being outed. Many shelters and service providers are not properly trained to assist LGBTQ+ victims, and some may even exclude them altogether.
LGBTQ+ Abuse Awareness Month aims to highlight these disparities and calls on communities to develop inclusive support systems, provide affirming care and promote education. Ending abuse requires recognizing all survivors.
By confronting these statistics, supporting LGBTQ+-focused organizations, and advocating for equality, we can take meaningful steps toward a safer and more just future for everyone.
Bottom line: Regardless of sexual orientation or preference, no one deserves to be abused.
If you or someone you know needs support, Reach of Cherokee County is here to help. Call our confidential helpline at 828-837-8064 for assistance. Help us remember that we are all human and bleed red.
Cecilia Crawford-Faulkner is executive director of Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties. You can reach
her office by phone at 828-837-2097, by email at director@reachofcherokeecounty.org or visit the websitereachofcherokeecounty.org.