Peitzmeier, S. M., Malik, M., Kattari, S. K., Marrow, E., Stephenson, R., Agénor, M., & Reisner, S. L. (2020).

J Adv Nurs. The nonbiological parent may face legal challenges, as many jurisdictions still lack protections for nonbiological parents in same-sex relationships. This can be exploited by an abusive partner, who may threaten to use the legal system to gain custody or restrict access to children, effectively using the children as pawns in the abuse.
doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2021.02.006. Feeling alone and powerless, Mellie wrestled with internalized doubts and guilt, questioning whether she deserved better, or if it was even possible for her to have a healthy relationship.
One night, after an intense argument, Jamie became physically aggressive, pushing Mellie to the ground.
Source: Julie Rose/Pixabay
Here are some unique ways that IPV can manifest in Queer relationships.
We are a very conservative country where there is still a lot of prejudice. Refusing to use name or pronouns: An abuser may deliberately refuse to use their partner’s chosen name or pronouns as a means of asserting power and control.
As clinicians, it is essential that we understand abuse and power dynamics in diverse relationships, and recognize that they often present differently than how they do in "straight" relationships.
Domestic violence in the LGBT community. Due to their gender and sexuality, many Queer people face stigmas in society, and particularly in the legal and healthcare system. Reproductive coercion: Research has shown that queer and trans individuals may experience higher rates of reproductive coercion, where an abuser attempts to control their partner’s reproductive choices.3 This can include sabotaging contraception, pressuring for pregnancy, or making threats regarding reproductive health decisions.
Furthermore, Queer survivors from marginalized groups, such as the trans community, face systemic biases that can be weaponized by an abuser. U.S. Department of Justice.