Do You Know TG IPV?

Serving Transgender Survivors of

Interpersonal Violence

“See, acknowledge, and respect me as I truly am. Erasure is one of the biggest themes in many trans

people’s lives: those around them refuse (or refused) to see and acknowledge them, their

identities, and their experiences. -FORGE (2015)

FIRST DO NO HARM”

Let’s review some terms and concepts

Gender IdentityThe internal sense of being male, female, or another gender, which is not necessaritly visible to others.

Gender ExpressionThe outward expression of gender through appearance and behavior; including masculine, feminine, mixed-gender, and androgynous expression.

Sexual OrientationThe attraction (physical, emotional, spiritual, or sexual) to other people of one or more specific genders.

Transgender An umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of people whose gender identity or expression may not match the sex they were assigend to at birth.

Gender BinaryThe socially constructed concept that there are only two genders, male and female. Transgender individuals may not fit the gender binary of male and female stereotypical behavior.

Gender PronounsMasculine pronouns (he, him, his), feminine pronouns (she, her, hers), and gender-neutral pronouns (ze, sie, hir, and they/their) may be preferred.

Foundational Frameworks

Trauma-informed

Empowerment-based

Intersectionality

Non-discrimination

Person-centered

Image Source: http://www.ovc.gov/pubs/forge/transgender_tspecific.html

50%

24-33%

15-20%

RATES OF VIOLENCE

Sexual AssaultInterpersonal Violence

Stalking

3 Million Transgender Americans

1.5 million Sexual Assault Survivors

750,000 - 1 million Interpersonal Violence Survivors

450,000 - 600,000 Stalking Survivors

~ 1% of the Population is Transgender

Hate-motivated

IPV

Adult SA

74%84%

76%88%

72%64%

RATES OF POLY-VICTIMIZATION

Barriers to Seeking and Accessing Services

Not trans friendly or welcoming Women-focused Not culturally

competent

Shame and embarrassment Fear Concern it would

make it worse

Didn’t know what the service was Reputation Systematic

problems

Other Sensitivities to Consider

Transgender AdvocacyPassing

Outing

Documentation

Preferred Language

Suicidality

Program Inclusivity

• Training

• Systems

• Forms

• Advocacy

“ FAQ’s about the 2013 Grant Condition

For the first time in a federal funding statute, VAWA 2013 explicitly bars discrimination based

on actual or perceived gender identity or sexual orientation– as well as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability.

An exception can be provided for sex-segregated programs, but only by providing

comparable services to individuals.

-(VAWA, 2014)

VAWA Non-Discrimination

”

#TransLivesMatter#Visibility#Equality#Justice#Respect

#TransPride#TransAdvocate

#TransNeeds#TDoR

#TransIsBeautiful

References and Resources

Cook-Daniels, L. & Munson, M. (2015). First do no harm: 8 tips for addressing violence against transgender and gender non-binary people. FORGE. Retrieved from: http://forge-forward.org/wp-content/docs/do-no-harm-8-tips-addressing-violence-FINAL.pdf.

This fact sheet, by FORGE, provides information and resources for service providers seeking to enhance services to transgender survivors of interpersonal violence. Based on a compilation of national data and extensive research with transgender communities; this fact sheet provides information about poly- victimization, intersectional identities, risk of suicide, and tips for language and gender pronouns.

Grant, J. M., Mottet, L. A., & Tanis, J. (2011). Injustice at every turn: A report of the national transgender discrimination survey. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Retrieved from: http://www.thetaskforce.org/static_html/downloads/reports/reports/ntds_full.pdf.

This report by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality provides information and findings of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, a ground-breaking research partnership founded in 2008. Through a diverse sample of 6,450 transgender and gender non- conforming participants from all 50 states, this report provides data and information about the many injustices that transgender individuals face in regards to education, housing, advocacy, health care, and family life.

Munson, M. & Cook-Daniels. (2016, February 4). Serving transgender survivors: A 101 for advocates. [Webinar]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcmZop6Ya3U.

The webinar by FORGE, recorded on February 4, 2016, provides information for advocates to learn the basics of transgender advocacy. This webinar provides valuable information about the dynamics of transgender interpersonal violence including information about gender identities, violence prevalence rates, barriers to seeking services, and the importance of language in providing culturally competent services.

References and Resources

Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). (2014, June). Responding to transgender victims of sexual assault. [Online Toolkit]. Retrieved from: http://www.ovc.gov/pubs/forge/tips_pro.html.

This online toolkit was created by the Office for Victims of Crime, in collaboration with FORGE, to provide information and resources for service providers responding to transgender victims of sexual assault. Based on national data with transgender communities; this toolkit provides basic information about transgender survivors, discusses sexual assault in the transgender community, and offers tips for service providers.

Seelman, K. L. (2015). Unequal treatment of transgender individuals in domestic violence and rape crisis programs. Journal of Social Service Research, 41(3), 307-325. doi: 10.1080/01488376.2014.98794.

Data collected by the National Transgender Discrimination Survey in 2008-2009 was used in this secondary analysis to examine the socio-demographic factors and psychosocial risks associated with unequal treatment of transgender people in domestic violence shelters. Findings conclude that transgender victims of color, those with disabilities and individuals who are perceived to be transgender by others are discriminated against the most. In addition; suicidality, sex work history, and disconnection from families were identified as psychosocial risk factors and implications for service providers were discussed.

U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ). (2014, April 9). Frequently asked questions: Nondiscrimination grant condition in the violence against women reauthorization act of 2013. Retrieved from: https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/ovw/legacy/2014/06/20/faqs-ngc-vawa.pdf.

The U.S. Department of Justice released this frequently asked questions (FAQ) document to answer questions regarding the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, creating new provisions that prohibitdiscrimination against transgender victims. The document provides answers for grant-funded agencies seeking to maintain compliance with federal funding. The FAQ sheet also outlines conditions for the comparable shelter and advocacy services that are required within sex-segregated programs and facilities.