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An Online Resource Library on Gender-Based Violence.

Violence Against Trans and Non-Binary People

Transgender individuals and communities experience shocking amounts of violence and discrimination. This section offers some information on the staggering rates of violence that trans and non-binary people face, although it should be noted that data is limited. In addition to experiencing high rates of domestic and sexual violence, trans and non-binary people are often the targets of transphobic hate crimes and state violence.

As always, listening to and believing survivors is critical.

According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey:

  • Nearly half (46%) of respondents were verbally harassed in the past year because of being transgender.
  • Nearly one in ten (9%) respondents were physically attacked in the past year because of being transgender.
  • Nearly half (47%) of respondents were sexually assaulted at some point in their lifetime and one in ten (10%) were sexually assaulted in the past year. In communities of color, these numbers are higher: 53% of Black respondents were sexually assaulted in their lifetime and 13% were sexually assaulted in the last year.
  • 72% of respondents who have done sex work, 65% of respondents who have experienced homelessness, and 61% of respondents with disabilities reported being sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
  • More than half (54%) experienced some form of intimate partner violence, including acts involving coercive control and physical harm.

Transgender Rates of Violence

Data on transgender people is scarce and unreliable, as this FAQ explains, and is not critical to meeting survivors’ needs; listening to and believing survivors is. However, this fact sheet offers some data on violence against trans people, along with key references.

Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey

This report provides a summary of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, including the prevalence and experience of sexual violence, in addition to many other forms of discrimination and hate crimes against transgender individuals. Included in addition to the full report are regional and state reports, as well as community-specific reports, which highlight increased rates of violence and harassment against communities of color.

2015 U.S. Transgender Survey Report

The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey is the largest survey examining the experiences of transgender people in the United States. The findings reveal disturbing patterns of mistreatment, violence, and discrimination and startling disparities between transgender people in the survey and the U.S. population when it comes to the most basic elements of life, such as finding a job, having a place to live, accessing medical care, and enjoying the support of family and community.

Trans-Specific Power and Control Tactics

This handout provides information on trans-specific power and control tactics used against and by trans partners. Topic areas include safety, outing, disclosure, community attitudes, gender stereotypes and transphobia, using or undermining identity, violating boundaries, and restricting access.

Transgender Youth and Dating Violence

This fact sheet explains what being transgender means, how transgender youth may experience TDV differently. The factsheet also discusses barriers transgender youth face in seeking help.

National Consensus Statement of Anti-Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Organizations in Support of Full and Equal Access for the Transgender Community

National, state, and local anti-sexual assault  and domestic violence organizations oppose anti-transgender initiatives. As organizations that care about reducing assault and violence, these organizations favor laws and policies that protect transgender people from discrimination, including in accessing facilities that match the gender they live every day.