Interconnected LGBTQ+ symbols forming a heart, representing the complexities of dating violence.

Dating Violence: Why LGBTQ+ Youth Face Higher Risks

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research sheds light on the increased prevalence of partner violence among LGBTQ+ teens, revealing critical insights for prevention and support."

Intimate partner violence (PV) is a serious issue affecting young people across the United States. While the problem is widespread, certain groups face a disproportionately higher risk. Research has shown significant disparities in PV rates, with race being a key factor. However, a new study highlights another critical dimension: sexual orientation and gender identity.

The study, utilizing data from the 2015 Healthy Kids Colorado Study, a statewide representative survey, digs deeper into how sexual orientation and gender identity intersect with PV victimization among high school students. It also investigates the connections between mental health, bullying, and experiences of PV.

Breaking from previous research that often lumps LGBTQ+ adolescents into a single category, this study distinguishes between lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB), questioning, and transgender youth. By analyzing the unique risks faced by each group, the findings offer valuable insights for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

LGBTQ+ Youth and Dating Violence: Understanding the Disparities

Interconnected LGBTQ+ symbols forming a heart, representing the complexities of dating violence.

The research revealed alarming disparities in PV rates among LGBTQ+ youth. Out of all the young people surveyed who had dated in the past year, 9.4% reported experiencing PV. However, when broken down by sexual orientation and gender identity, the numbers paint a concerning picture:

Compared to cisgender heterosexual youth, the study found that:

Cisgender LGB youth had a significantly elevated risk of experiencing PV (AOR = 1.48 [1.17, 1.86]).
Cisgender questioning youth also faced a heightened risk (AOR = 1.68 [1.13, 2.48]).
Transgender youth, particularly those who identified as both transgender and LGB (AOR = 3.25 [2.02, 5.22]) or transgender and questioning their sexual orientation (AOR = 8.57 [4.28, 17.16]), were at the highest risk.

In addition to sexual orientation and gender identity, the study identified several other factors associated with increased risk of PV, including depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.99 [1.67, 2.37]), suicidality (AOR = 1.83 [1.62, 2.06]), bullying victimization (AOR = 1.58 [1.31, 1.91]), and online bullying victimization (AOR = 1.98 [1.62, 2.06]).

Creating Safer Relationships: Implications and Actions

The study's findings underscore the urgent need for targeted PV prevention and response interventions that address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth. Current interventions often fall short by failing to recognize the specific challenges and experiences of this population.

These interventions should adopt intersectional approaches that consider the compounding effects of multiple marginalized identities. For transgender youth, who face the highest risk, interventions must address issues such as discrimination, lack of access to resources, and fear of seeking help.

Ultimately, creating safer relationships for LGBTQ+ youth requires a multi-pronged approach that includes education, support, and advocacy. By increasing awareness, promoting inclusivity, and challenging discriminatory attitudes, we can work towards a future where all young people have the opportunity to thrive in healthy, respectful relationships.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.08.011, Alternate LINK

Title: Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health, And Bullying As Predictors Of Partner Violence In A Representative Sample Of Youth

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: Journal of Adolescent Health

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: N. Eugene Walls, Brittanie Atteberry-Ash, Shanna K. Kattari, Sarah Peitzmeier, Leo Kattari, Lisa Langenderfer-Magruder

Published: 2019-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does the risk of dating violence differ for cisgender lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth compared to cisgender heterosexual youth?

The research indicated that cisgender lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth reported a significantly elevated risk of experiencing partner violence compared to their cisgender heterosexual peers. Specifically, the study showed an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of 1.48, meaning they were almost 1.5 times more likely to experience partner violence. This finding underscores the importance of recognizing sexual orientation as a key factor in understanding and addressing partner violence among young people.

What did the study reveal about the dating violence risk for transgender youth, particularly those who also identify as LGB or are questioning their sexual orientation?

The study found that transgender youth face the highest risk, especially those identifying as both transgender and LGB or transgender and questioning their sexual orientation. The Adjusted Odds Ratios were 3.25 and 8.57 respectively. This suggests that the intersection of gender identity and sexual orientation creates unique vulnerabilities. These statistics emphasizes the need for tailored support and prevention strategies for transgender youth to address the specific challenges they face.

Besides sexual orientation and gender identity, what other factors were found to be associated with an increased risk of dating violence among LGBTQ+ youth?

Beyond sexual orientation and gender identity, several other factors significantly correlate with an increased risk of partner violence (PV). These include depressive symptoms, indicated by an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of 1.99, suggesting that young individuals experiencing depression are almost twice as likely to face PV. Suicidality also plays a significant role, with an AOR of 1.83, highlighting the increased risk for those with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Bullying victimization, whether in-person (AOR = 1.58) or online (AOR = 1.98), further contributes to the risk, indicating that those who experience bullying are more prone to PV. These interconnected factors underscore the complexity of PV and the necessity for comprehensive intervention strategies.

What data was used in the study, and how did its approach differ from previous research on dating violence among LGBTQ+ youth?

The study utilized data from the 2015 Healthy Kids Colorado Study, which is a statewide representative survey of high school students. Unlike previous research that often grouped all LGBTQ+ adolescents together, this study distinguished between lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB), questioning, and transgender youth. By examining the unique risks faced by each group, the research provides more nuanced insights for developing effective and targeted prevention and intervention strategies, reflecting a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.

What are the implications of these findings for creating safer relationships, and what actions are needed to address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth regarding dating violence?

The findings highlight the critical need for targeted partner violence (PV) prevention and response interventions specifically designed for LGBTQ+ youth. Current interventions often fail to address the unique challenges and experiences of this population. To create safer relationships, it's essential to develop tailored strategies that recognize the specific risks faced by cisgender LGB youth, questioning youth, and transgender youth. These interventions should also address co-occurring issues such as depressive symptoms, suicidality, and bullying victimization to provide comprehensive support and promote healthy relationship dynamics.