Effectiveness of Social Work Interventions for People in LGBTIQ Communities Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

The study adopts a systematic review of various studies and identifies the need for social workers to have a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by the LGBTIQ community in order to provide effective interventions. The summary highlights the negative physical and emotional effects experienced by people from the community and the barriers they face in seeking help.

RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE IN LGBTIQ
COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
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RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
Abstract
The study encompasses a review of existing research in the domain of intimate partner
violence (IPV) in case of LGBTIQ community. IPV is common amongst heterosexual, bisexual
men and women, lesbian women and gay men and amongst transgendered. The negative
consequences identified in cases of LGBTIQ are high from mental and physical impacts. Yet
there are several barriers due to which they do not seek help from social workers, reducing the
effectiveness of intervention of social workers. The current scope of study conducts a systematic
review of journal and articles in the domain of analysing IPV in LGBTIQ cases and social
workers interventions effectiveness. The barriers faced by people from the community mainly
reduce effectiveness and recommendations are provided which can allow overcoming these
barriers.
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RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................2
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Research Question...........................................................................................................................4
Methodology....................................................................................................................................4
Findings...........................................................................................................................................5
Analysis of the findings...................................................................................................................7
Discussion........................................................................................................................................9
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................10
References......................................................................................................................................11
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RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
Introduction
The core concept of IPV (Intimate partner violence) did not include researching about the
LGBTIQ (Cannon, 2015). Recently, there has been significant increase in legal and scientific
recognition of same-sex partner violence. A closer examination of the concept of IPV is required
in LGBT due to its inherent disjuncture from hetero-normative marriage model. In order to
examine IPV in LGBTIQ, cultural narratives, ideological frameworks and stereotypes have to be
investigated. In Australia, though there has been significant acknowledgement of intimate
partner violence in LGBTIQ, there still exists deficiency in inability recognize abuse past the
gendered power dynamics. The Australian Research Centre for Health and Sexuality (ARCHS)
noted a significant rise in IPV in recent years. People facing such violence require assistance
from clinicians. Clinical intervention are mostly provided by social workers and remains
underreported (Turell, Herrmann, Hollander & Galletly, 2012). Insignificant recognition of IPV
in LGBTIQ, social workers are unable to cater to service to LGBTIQ people. This creates
ineffectiveness in their intervention strategies. The current scope of study analyses effectiveness
of social work interventions for people in LGBTIQ communities, who are experiencing Intimate
Partner Violence (IPV).
Research Question
Analysis of relevant literature from around the world, especially USA where a number of
such research has taken place and understanding the situation prevalent in Australia, it can be
said that social workers does faces gaps in undertaking interventions. The current study aims at
analysing gaps prevalent in knowledge of social workers for interventions during IPV. The
research question that the study aims at answering is, ‘How effective are social work interventions
for people in LGBTIQ communities experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)?’ The study will aim at
exploring approaches that have been adopted by social workers in various countries to evaluate the
effectiveness of intervention and then subsequently provide recommendations.
Methodology
The study will adopt a suitable methodology that allows arriving at findings related to the
same. In order to conduct this research study, a systematic review of various studies has been
conducted. This methodology had been adopted for the purpose of the study due to its ability to
underpin evidence-based practice. Varied sources such as ProQuest, SAGE Journal database,
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RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
EBSCOhost and Google Scholar had been searched regarding the topic. The search methodology
had been undertaken form July till November 2018. The key words that had been used to search
regarding the topic includes, “LGBTIQ intimate partner violence and intervention methods”, “
Intervention of social workers in LGBTIQ IPV cases”, “IPV cases in LGBTIQ community in
Australia”, and “Impact of intervention in IPV cases in the LGBTIQ community”. The search
strategy has made use of studies that has been conducted in the last 10 years. The articles had
been purposely collected from varied countries to get versatile data. The study has collected
journals and articles which are written in English language only. The study had collected
approximately 25 journals and sources, amongst which 10 were excluded for the exclusion
criteria using the PRISMA diagram methodology. Studies excluded from the scope of discussion
here are the ones which are older than 10 year period. Studies which does not contain cases of
social contribution to IPV.
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Studies identified through database
searches
N= 50
Additional Studies identified through
hand searches and references
N=30
Potential study abstracts identified after duplicates
were removed
N=20
Potentially relevant studies’ abstract
reviewed
N= 55
18 studies excluded after abstract review for
irrelevance to topic (qualitative, case studies,
research design, unspecified media etc)
Studies eligible for full-text
screening and review
N=37
17 studies Excluded: 4 studies not up 60%
American 3 studies had insufficient data; 3
studies focused on patients with
hypertension; 3 studies had other outcomes; 9
studies had no control group; and 4 studies
focused on current screening experiences
Studies included for systematic review for
meeting inclusion criteria
RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
Figure 1: PRISMA Flow Diagram
Findings (Most of the findings are very general, I need issues in more details, what
are the issues? What are the need/ barriers?)
Author and country Sample size Research
method
Key findings
1. Barrett & St. Pierre
(2013). Canada
Subjective The article
addresses intimate partner
violence in lesbian, gay
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RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
and bisexual individuals
living in Canada and
variation amongst them.
The article
addresses variance in rates
and severity of LGB IPV
on the basis of socio-
demographic factors. The
key findings from this
article reveals bisexual
facing much more violence
and injury against lesbians
and gays.
2. Duke & Davidson (2009) Subjective It evaluates the advocacy
and affirmative outreach in
cases of IPV amongst same
sex partners
3. Brown & Herman (2015).
Los Angeles CA, USA
Subjective The article identifies
increased risk on health
from intimate partner
violence in LGBTQ+
community.
4. Carvalho, Lewis, Derlega,
Winstead & Viggiano
(2011)
Subjective It identifies stress related
factors amongst sexual
minorities and same –sex
partner violence
5. Goldberg & Meyer
(2013). California, USA
Subjective It reviews various
disparities in intimate
partner violence on the
basis of sexual orientation
6. Ford, Slavin, Hilton & Subjective It identifies the issues,
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RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
Holt (2013). Los Angeles,
USA
needs and challenges to
address intimate partner
violence service in lesbian,
gay, bisexual and
transgendered clients
7. Bolam & Bates (2016).
Australia
Subjective The paper identifies the
increased risks to health in
cases of intimate partner
violence in the LGBTQ+
community.
8. Stephenson, Rentsch,
Salazar & Sullivan (2011)
Subjective The article identifies the
dyadic characteristics of
gay men in intimate partner
violence cases
9. Ard & Makadon (2011).
Boston, USA
Subjective Analysing burden of IPV in
LGBT relationships.
Outlining steps for
clinicians in case of IPV
for LGBT
10. Baker, Buick, Kim, Moniz
& Nava (2013)
Subjective It examines several cases
of same sex violence
11. Murray & Mobley (2009) Experimental Conducts a methodological
review of same-sex
intimate partner violence
through an empirical
research.
12. Hassouneh & Glass
(2008)
Subjective Identifies the connect
between intimate partner
violence from the influence
of gender role on women’s
experience in same-sex
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RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
relationships
13. Turell & Herrmann (2008) Subjective Explores support reliance
in cases of intimate partner
violence for lesbian and
bisexual women facing
abuse
14. Calton, Cattaneo &
Gebhard (2016)
Subjective Identifies the several
barriers to seeking help in
case of intimate partner
violence for lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgendered
and queer survivors
15. Finneran & Stephenson
(2013)
Subjective Identifies gay men cases of
intimate partner violence
Analysis of the findings
The 15 studies that have been reviewed are included in the findings for analysis of
effectiveness of social workers in cases of IPV in LGBTIQ. Prevalence of IPV ranges from 7.0%
to 55.0% in the last year and there had to be intervention of social workers (Ryan, Russell,
Huebner, Diaz & Sanchez, 2010). Prevalent of IPV amongst minority men and women in the
LGBTIQ community were seen to be maximum while analysing the case of intervention. Turrell
(2000b) found is his studies that intimate partner violence was experienced by 44.0% people of
the LGBTIQ community during their lifetimes. While an insignificant findings by Landers et al
(2009), reflect only 18.4% had never been threatened with physical violence by their intimate
partner. Almost 7.0% people from the community experienced sexual abuse by an intimate
partner as found by Turrell (2000b), however such findings were fairly restrictive in nature with
only three example citations.
People from LGBTIQ experiencing intimate partner violence and sexual abuse often
suffer from negative physical and emotional effects. Such negative effects are greater in lesbian
and bisexual women as compared to heterosexual women, as found by studies from Walters et al
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RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
(2013). The reporting in IPV cases is significantly lower, as 27.5% of bisexual women were
found to report in case of physical injury in IPV incidence whereas 46.2% reported symptoms of
post-traumatic stress disorder. Very few people experiencing IPV might seek help from social
workers and find safe place for addressing negative effects experiences. It was found that most
people face barriers in seeking help as compared to non- LGBTIQ. This was identified to be a
key factor that deterred social workers for intervening in IPV cases and providing assistance. The
barriers are primarily due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and cultural beliefs and
individuals values. Another pertinent barrier to people seeking help was money, while social
workers provide free assistance, some tests and medicines requires money to be spent. Many
lesbian women reported money to be the single most barriers that prevented them to seek help.
While money might be a single identified cause, there are other factors such as risks of rejection,
isolation from partner, friends, family, and society, social networks, which provides support. As
social worker’s intervention might induce efforts to separate abusers from the one seeking help,
getting assistance might then become more expensive (Nemoto, Bödeker & Iwamoto, 2011).
People from such background are generally less open to their experiences to social workers from
lack of feeling of safety of identity. A major barrier to effectiveness of social workers, which
prevents them from intervening, includes interpersonal and intrapersonal barriers to seeking help
amongst LGBTIQ people. This can be evaluated similar to non- LGBTIQ people, where abused
partner might possess feeling of embarrassment, shame, depression, fear, guilt and isolation,
which might deter their willingness to receive help. Though a social worker might approach
them, there might be considerable amounts of personal feelings due to which they might not
agree on receiving help. Reporting of cases or getting assistance from social worker might create
a fear of anxiety and sadness from braking up, with associated risks of retaliation, which makes
the survivor shy away. Moreover, people belonging to the community, who are not open to their
family or friends or society regarding their sexual orientation might risks losing these individuals
(Devries et al, 2014). Important findings related to IPV, reflect that in some cases where there
was violent acts, the women did not realize or feel that there is commitment of any crime or
danger in such acts. Institutional barriers cannot be overemphasized in the role of prevention of
people from reporting of such cases. Lack of knowledge, lack of education, lack of awareness
and low levels of confidence, legal enforcement are some factors that affects social workers from
effectively carrying out their roles.
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RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
Discussion
The study has been able to establish the several barriers that might hinder effectiveness of
social workers to assists people form LGBTIQ community in IPV cases. However, the study has
certain limitations as well. The most integral limitation of the study is in its methodology. The
study has made use of systematic review of several journal and article sources. The study has not
collected data and conducted analysis for the same. Moreover, the study adopts qualitative
procedure for analysis and quantitative data analysis procedures had been ignored in totality. The
study has also not considered sexual abuse as a form of abuse and only taken into consideration
intimate partner violence.
The implications for the research can be used to scale up social work in assisting
LGBTIQ in cases of IPV. The implications can be justified using queer theory. The theory
focuses on the gender being a part of self. The theory assumes that there are no set normal, with
defining norms of good and bad sexualities. An individual may be heterosexual or bisexual or
lesbian or gay in their sexual orientation but their behavioral patterns are governed by individual,
cultural, social and more deep-embedded norms and values. Intimate partner violence is
committed by individuals from all communities. The quality of help sought by people from the
community is based upon personal and social networks. Barely people turn to social workers or
health care providers for assistance. Only a handful of people sought medical help from doctors,
psychologists, psychiatrists and couple counselors at social institutes (Keuroghlian, Shtasel &
Bassuk, 2014). Though Australia has a host of institutes that provides support to people from the
community in need, there is little awareness related to the same. Social workers, who address
IPV cases amongst LGBTIQ by organizing programs and services, were found to have a greater
effect on the men compared to the women. However, there needs to be reporting of such cases,
where largely people from LGBTIQ communities shy away.
Conclusion
The findings from the study establish varied causes which lead to the ineffectiveness of
social workers for intervening in cases of IPV amongst LGBTIQ community people. In order to
enhance greater intervention and participation in discussion related to intimate partner violence
in LGBTIQ communities, certain recommendations has to be included by social workers, as
follows;
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RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE
IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
 Awareness regarding the negative physical and mental impacts from intimate
partner violence has to be spread in Australia. There needs to be some
motivation provided such that people from LGBTIQ communities seek help.
Appropriate counseling and guidance has to be provided to prevent them from
shying away.
 Social workers need to identify the barriers to seeking help and then design
processes to overcome them. A helpline number and a chamber where
individuals in cases can meet without disclosure of personal details can provide
great support.
 Studies found that prevalence of intimate partner violence in gay and bisexual
men and lesbian women are not different compared to heterosexual men and
women. However there is prevalence of higher rates of intimate partner violence
amongst bisexual women as compared to heterosexual women. Therefore, social
workers need to extend special assistance to bisexual women.
 There needs to be awareness spread that helps in IPV should not be sought from
informal and personal networks. The risks of such help needs to be highlighted
to prevent any riskier consequences.
 Social workers need to ascertain people from LGBTIQ community seeking help
that their cases are confidential and there will be no legal litigations. This would
ensure that more and more people to seek help from the social workers and
report their cases.
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IN LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)
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