LGBTQIA+ Relationships

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The Safe Office supports the vast spectrum of relationship compositions, because love is love! However, we’re also aware that research shows that students who identify as LGBTQIA+ are at a higher likelihood to experience interpersonal violence throughout their life. In keeping with our mission to support survivor-led journeys through crisis response, advocacy, and counseling to validate all experiences and empower choices, it’s important that LGBTQIA+ know they have allies in the Safe Office.

According to the 2016/2017 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey:

Approximately 70% of bisexual women reported experiencing interpersonal violence some time in the course of their lifetime.

Approximately 48% of gay men reported experiencing interpersonal violence some time in the course of their lifetime.

According to the 2015 US Trans Survey:

More than half (54%) of trans and non-binary individuals have experienced some form of interpersonal violence in a relationship

and

Nearly one-quarter (24%) of trans and non-binary individuals have experienced severe physical violence in a relationship, compared to 18% of the general US population.

The Safe Office is dedicated to ensure all people, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and relationship configuration are safe and respected in relationships.

Learn more about how IPV looks in LGBTQ+ relationships, strategies for healthy relationships, and resources below.

April 2025- The Safe Office acknowledges that some of the linked national organizations have needed to alter and/or remove some previously accessible content due to national policy changes. We are working to keep resources up to date; however, you may encounter some broken links due to the fluid nature of policy changes. Please know the Safe Office supports survivors of all identities, backgrounds, and beliefs.