Relationship Violence in Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer [LGBTQ] Communities: Moving Beyond a Gender-Based Framework

This paper provides a critical overview of some of the current research that has been done to better understand the contexts, dynamics and impact of relationship violence within LGBTQ communities and also identifies several barriers that still exist within support services when responding to this form of violence. The paper concludes by offering recommendations and considerations for the criminal justice and social service community and provides examples of innovative responses and programs that have been developed within LGBTQ communities that might serve as models.