Degree Date

6-2018

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy

Academic Discipline

Community Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Tiffeny Jimenez Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Dr. Brad Olsen Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Dr. Erica Mango Ph.D

Abstract

This research project is a focus on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) within LGBTQ+

community and the challenges associated with seeking family support. IPV is defined as a violent

or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of an intimate spouse

or partner. However, IPV can happen on the street, in one’s home or even in a public place. Those

exposed to IPV can be children, men and women. IPV is a prevalent issue in our society (Bright

2008). According to Ristock (2005), violence in LGBTQ+ relationships may be referred to as

partner violence, relationship violence, or LGBTQ+ IPV. IPV however, has been most strongly

associated with heterosexual relationships and assumes certain gendered roles (male batterers,

female victims). Due to this common set of assumptions about intimate relationships and what

counts as IPV, members of the LGBTQ+ communities are outside of the common assistance as a

result of these assumptions. People of the LGBTQ+ population take on a variety of differing

gender roles that may or may not coincide with who they have an intimate relationship with and

therefore challenge the traditional notions of what counts as an intimate partner. It is for this reason

that particular attention needs to be paid to This study uses mixed-methods to explore the

challenges associated with seeking support for IPV within the LGBTQ+ community, and based on

survey findings, uses autoethnography to conduct an in-depth exploration of how one family

provide support, as well as what prevents Black LGBTQ+ identified person from seeking family

support. Future research and implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Comments

Acknowledgements

First and foremost, I offer my thanks and appreciation to the Lord Almighty who gave me strength

and health during this course. Without health and strength from above I would have been unable

to withstand the demands of the work.

I offer my sincerest gratitude to my chair Tiffeny Jimenez for her help, support and encouragement

throughout this process. Without her patience, knowledge and good nature, this thesis would not

have been completed.

I would also like to thank all the lecturers who took time out in explaining how things needed to be

done, which made it easy when it got to writing up of the thesis.

I dedicate my thesis to all who took time out to complete the survey, as without their input the

research would not have been possible.

I would also like to show my gratitude to my family who are always there for me no matter what,

especially my mother Exmeda Yates who insists that I take my studies to the utmost level,

Lastly, I offer my regards and appreciation to all those who supported in any respect during the

completion of this thesis.

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