By Meghan Serceki
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to unite survivors of domestic violence, to highlight the organizations offering support, and to raise awareness of this pervasive and critical issue. Domestic violence can also be referred to as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence. This can take on many forms as abuse can be perpetrated physically, sexually, emotionally, economically, verbally, and more. The United Nations defines it broadly as “a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.”
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that compared to cisgender individuals, trans* individuals are twice as likely to experience intimate partner violence. Trans* is a term meant to be inclusive of all identities along the gender spectrum, and even though anyone can experience domestic abuse, those who identify as trans* are especially at risk. Besides this added vulnerability, though, these same individuals face exponentially more obstacles to getting help. Not only are there added complexities to the violence committed against them, but systemic inequities deny them certain protections when they speak out.
Abuse against trans* individuals is more prevalent than among cisgender people, and it also contains layers of transphobia, homophobia, heterosexism, transmisogyny, and threats of outing the partner’s identity. In a report by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, a transgender woman recounts her ex-boyfriend threatening her life and telling her, “no one else would ever want a freak like me, that I’m not a real woman, and that I’m worthless.” In a world that perpetuates these negative views, abusers play on internalized stigma and insecurities in order to further control their partner.
Similarly, perpetrators may threaten to “out” their victim to friends, coworkers, or family members. Everyone deserves the right to share such intimate aspects of their identity with people of their choosing, under their own terms. People may feel like being out will devastate certain aspects of their lives, so such threats can be terrifying and real, making them feel trapped in the relationship.
Beyond this, the stigma around being trans* acts as yet another barrier to getting help. These people therefore not only have to deal with the stigma around being a victim of abuse, but they also have to face prejudice against their own gender identity. Even if their abuser is not threatening to out them or if they are already out, some individuals who are “passing” may fear that seeking help through organizations will require them to disclose their history.
All this converges into systemic inequities which deprive trans* individuals of the protections which do exist for survivors. Unfortunately, many of the organizations and programs that are readily available for abuse victims are not equipped to serve the trans* community. Some shelters do not recognize gender identities unless they have fully transitioned. A transgender woman recounts seeking help but being denied shelter because they still considered her male. Reaching out is a huge and difficult step in escaping an abusive environment, and having these negative experiences can prevent them from continuing their fight.
Another recourse available to survivors are protection orders. These may help create physical distance between partners, halt communication, and create a safe home environment among other things. However, the American Bar Association states that protection orders are often denied to LGBTQ individuals, and especially to trans* people. Different states have varying policies on this issue and hold different standards for what they consider a “domestic partnership,” especially in regards to LGBTQ relationships. In this way, the system is further stacked against the trans* community, and those in perilous situations may feel even more attacked, hopeless, and alone.
With the legalization of gay marriage, and increased understanding of what it means to be trans*, there is some improvement being made. But these are just the first steps in correcting a system of oppression and violence which has already damaged the lives of so many. We have to keep demanding change, to advocate for the people that need it, to support those who are seeking help, and to be the change we wish to see in the world.