Unveiling support gaps and systemic barriers
A thematic network analysis of LGBTQ+ survivors’ experiences with intimate partner violence
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21724503 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Roxanna S Ast (0000-0001-8922-0277, Montclair State University), Zan Haggerty (0000-0003-4037-9716, Stockton University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue | 3-4 |
| Pages | 391-413 |
| Publication date | 2026-07-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Qualitative Social Work (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1473-3250 • E-ISSN: 1741-3117 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/14733250261446686 |
| OpenAlex | W7167231304 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 21 |
Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ individuals, yet their unique experiences remain underrepresented in mainstream research, services, and prevention strategies. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of 30 LGBTQ+ survivors of IPV across the United States, aiming to understand the multifaceted systemic barriers they face and identify survivor-informed solutions for more inclusive prevention and intervention strategies. Using reflexive thematic and thematic network analysis, five key themes were identified: lack of recognition and understanding of abuse, limited support networks, economic dependency, lack of media representation, and inaccessible crisis resources. Participants described challenges in identifying nonphysical and identity-based abuse, compounded by financial control, community isolation, and systemic discrimination. Thematic network mapping highlighted the interdependence of structural barriers, particularly the intersection of economic vulnerability and institutional exclusion. Findings underscore the need for LGBTQ+inclusive education, culturally competent crisis response, financial empowerment strategies, and affirming media representation. This study calls for systemic reform in IPV prevention and intervention to address the specific realities of LGBTQ+ survivors and ensure equitable access to safety and healing
Domestic violence · Empowerment · Intersectionality · Mainstream · Reflexivity · Thematic analysis · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy
Judging interpretations
Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Subsequent Police Reporting Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Adults in Colorado
Do I Belong Here? Experiences of Transgender Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Domestic Violence Shelters
Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
Barriers to Help Seeking for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Intimate Partner Violence with Gay Men
Risk and Protective Factors for Intimate Partner Violence Against Bisexual Victims
Intimate Partner Violence in Self-Identified Lesbians
Reflexive Journaling on Emotional Research Topics
Power and control, resistance and survival
Intimate Partner Violence in Transgender Populations
I Wasn’t a Priority, I Wasn’t a Victim”
Lesbians’ Descriptions of the Actions that Led to Their Arrests and Court-Orders to Antiviolence Intervention
Thematic networks
Discrediting Identity Work
| Highly cited | No |
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