Anti-Trans Ideology Decreases Protection for Victims

When Gerri came to me for support, she felt defeated and hopeless. "I keep going to the police, but they just dismiss me."

She had been trying to get protection from a partner who was physically and psychologically abusive. But when she reached out to the police, her experiences were minimized or ignored. In one instance, when she called the police after a particularly violent episode, they questioned whether her identity as a trans woman made her possible to be a victim of physical violence.

Unfortunately, discrimination is nothing new to Gerri, who has already experienced a long history of discrimination since coming out five years ago. She has been denied access to a domestic violence shelter because of her gender identity and faced a constant uphill battle trying to find healthcare providers who were supportive and accessible.

Gerri feels unsafe both in her relationship and within the systems that were supposed to protect her.

Source: Kiên Trịnh from Pixabay

The recent rise in anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans policies can have a significant effect on victims of intimate partner violence, particularly for transgender and gender non-conforming victims.

Transgender people, especially trans women of color, are already disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence.^1,2 Anti-trans policies increase their marginalization, making them not only more vulnerable to violence in their relationships but less likely to receive support following violent or abusive encounters.^1,2

These policies increase already present barriers to accessing services: Trans individuals already face challenges when accessing shelters, healthcare, or legal services due to discrimination, lack of understanding, or a lack of staff training.^1,2,5 Anti-trans policies exacerbate this, leading to more discrimination within institutions that are supposed to offer protection and support.

The criminalization of gender identity and expression increases vulnerability. Laws that criminalize or stigmatize gender identity or expression—such as those banning gender-affirming healthcare for minors or restricting access to gender-affirming care—can isolate trans people and make them more dependent on potentially abusive partners. Trans individuals who already face discrimination and harassment in many aspects of life may be more reluctant to report abuse due to the fear of being disbelieved or further criminalized for their gender identity.

LGBTQ individuals already face discrimination from law enforcement.^3,4 Many laws and policies fail to recognize the specific ways in which abuse manifests in LGBTQ+ relationships, which limits the effectiveness of the legal system in protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable.

Many transgender individuals may experience heightened anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness, which could make it harder for them to leave abusive situations or seek support.

We can help:

Focus on creating and supporting safe, inclusive spaces: Support shelters and support organizations to have inclusive, trans-affirming, and non-discriminatory policies that specifically address the needs of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.

Support and promote access to gender-affirming care: Transgender survivors of intimate partner violence often need access to supportive and affirming mental and physical health care. Work with health providers who are knowledgeable and affirming, and who offer gender-affirming care and trauma-informed therapy.