As Pride Month continues, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) reaffirms its commitment to protecting and upholding the safety, dignity, and well-being of the LGBTQI2S+ community. This dedication extends beyond June, ensuring support throughout the year.

The OVW is focused on preventing and addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking regardless of sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The organization stands as a strong ally to advocates working to make it safer for LGBTQI2S+ survivors and supports their leadership in advancing equality, justice, and safety.

Despite progress, members of the LGBTQI2S+ community still face high rates of discrimination and violence. According to the CDC, over 45% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are survivors of intimate partner violence. Black transgender individuals experience epidemic levels of violence. Additionally, online harassment and abuse are growing threats for those identifying as LGBTQI2S+.

Until the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 2013, there were no specific federal protections for LGBTQI2S+ individuals seeking services to address sexual assault or domestic violence. VAWA 2013 explicitly prohibited discrimination based on actual or perceived gender identity or sexual orientation. This provision ensures that LGBTQI2S+ survivors are not denied access to critical services funded by OVW.

The OVW has prioritized improving outreach and support for survivors from underserved communities. The most recent reauthorization of VAWA in 2022 authorized a new LGBT Specific Services Program to support organizations in maintaining successful services and developing innovative strategies for LGBTIQ2S+ victims.

Through various grants such as the Underserved Grant Program and its Training and Technical Assistance Initiative, OVW supports projects aimed at improving access to services for LGBTQI2S+ survivors. These projects offer specialized mental health services in multiple languages, culturally specific victim advocacy programs focusing on rural areas among other initiatives.

Organizations by and for LGBTQI2S+ communities are encouraged to apply for OVW grants across all discretionary grant programs. They may also apply as sub-recipients through OVW’s STOP Formula Grant Program which provides financial assistance distributed by states to victim service providers.

While recognizing progress made so far, much work remains in addressing different forms of discrimination. Strengthening coordinated community responses will ensure that anyone impacted by gender-based violence can access options for safety justice healing advancing national commitment towards ending gender-based violence

For immediate danger call 911; local resources available on OVW website; confidential support available through National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673), www.rainn.org; National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (TTY 1-800-787-3224), text “START” to 88788; National Center for Victims Crime hotline at 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846); Strong Hearts Native Helpline at 844-762-8483; find LGBTQI2S+-specific resources at The Trevor Project LGBT National Help Center

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