Research & Practice

For over a generation, LGBTQ anti-violence organizations have been working in communities across the nation. We’ve tried a lot, we’ve learned a lot, and we have a lot to share about what works. Explore our initial recommendations for improving intervention for and prevention of LGBTQ domestic abuse below.

Improve privacy to increase LGBTQ access to shelter

Increasing privacy in shelter can provide substantial benefits for all DV survivors and their children, and will increase access for diverse LGBTQ survivors….read more

Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Data Collection Resource Guide

This guidance document supports FVPSA-funded agencies in determining the best way to collect sexual orientation and gender identity data given agencies’ unique strengths, needs, and community context. It provides details on preparing to collect the data, selecting how to ask about sexual orientation and gender identity, and maintaining client confidentiality when reporting.

This new resource guide supplements previous webinar trainings provided by the LGBTQ Institute, including one provided for FVPSA state administrators and one for FVPSA grantees. Click on the links in the PDF to access a recording of each webinar.

Build evidence base for effective LGBTQ community domestic violence interventions, programs and approaches

Numerous programs developed by LGBTQ organizations and communities are ripe for evaluation. The field needs culturally responsive researchers and LGBTQ organizations to build practice-based evidence of the efficacy of these innovative interventions… read more

Rethink pro-arrest policies using historic, current and emerging knowledge from diverse sources

We know from research and practice that many survivors, especially those in marginalized communities, have problems with criminal legal responses…read more

Direction regarding mandatory reporting and youth

LGBTQ youth experiencing IPV frequently avoid bringing their concerns to a trusted adult because of the fear that person will break their confidentiality and report IPV to child welfare or law enforcement based on mandatory child abuse reporting laws…read more

Ensure that all referrals to 911 and law enforcement are informed, individual and based on a reasonable expectation of benefit

The domestic violence field must take seriously the impacts of biased policing and prosecution upon diverse survivors and integrate that into day to day advocacy work….read more

Ensure family provider wages and benefits in order to recruit and retain qualified staff from diverse LGBTQ communities

Connecting the dots between the socioeconomic vulnerabilities LGBTQ people face, and the low wages non-profits often pay helps explain why recruiting and retaining LGBTQ staff can be difficult….read more

Involve, learn from, and build the leadership of LGBTQ youth

We believe it is impossible to create meaningful, successful programming for youth without the direct involvement of youth…read more

Integrate economic and educational access and empowerment into domestic violence advocacy, particularly for trans survivors

To serve trans DV survivors, advocates need to address the economic and educational barriers that disproportionately affect trans communities….read more

Accurately and responsively collect sexual orientation and gender identity data

Many DV programs regularly collect data on the survivors they serve, and increasingly, this includes measures of sexual orientation and gender identity. This provides valuable opportunities to learn more but also poses challenges for researchers and DV advocates….read more

Compensate LGBTQ organizations for their expertise

When mainstream organizations value and fairly compensate LGBTQ organizations for their time and expertise, they support the long-term sustainability of those organizations and strengthen our movement to end violence….read more

Find even more information in The Library

Our easy to use on-line library contains Learning Center reports and recommendations as well as resources from the field and academia.

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