Recognizing Pride Month at Shelter Movers

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pattern of behaviour perpetrated by an intimate partner or ex-partner that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm. Intimate partner violence can include emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, isolation, identity/ cultural abuse, and financial abuse. 

Typically, discussions regarding intimate partner violence center around a male perpetrator and a female victim. In 2018, women were overrepresented as victims of IPV and account for approximately 8 in 10 victims (about 79%, according to data from Statistics Canada). Although women are disproportionately affected by IPV, conversations surrounding the topic often fail to account for those in same-sex relationships. 

This is a significant problem, as a 2020 survey from the University of Guelph found that IPV is similarly prevalent in same-sex and heterosexual relationships. Furthermore, studies indicate that transgender and non-binary individuals are at an elevated risk of experiencing intimate partner violence. 

Another important element to consider, is that the statistics around 2SLGBTQI+ or heterosexual intimate partner violence often don’t reflect the true reality of the situation. The numbers are often an under-representation of IPV due to individuals not reporting it or pursuing legal action. For example, a 2019 report on police-reported violence among same-sex intimate partners in Canada found that between 2009 and 2017, there were approximately 22,323 incidents of same-sex IPV, which represents 3% of all police-reported IPV incidents. The actual number is likely higher as the report only accounts for those who sought direct help from police. 

The report goes on to note that those who do report might be reluctant to share the true intimate nature of their relationship with their abuser with the police. This reluctance to report the true nature of the relationship may be due to fear of hostility or a belief that police may not take the crime seriously. As a result, it is likely that the numbers above are an under-estimation of intimate partner violence rates among the 2SLGBTQI+ community.