title: Sexual assault support services and community systems: understanding critical issues and needs in the LGBTQ community.
abstract: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals encounter social conditions that create important considerations for LGBTQ sexual assault victims. This exploratory, mixed-methods study examines the relationship between community attitudes toward LGBTQ persons and associated community responses to LGBTQ sexual assault victims. An online and paper-and-pencil survey (n = 130) and four focus group interviews (n = 14) are analyzed using frequency distributions and grounded theory methods. The central theme that emerged in focus group interviews, titled "low community awareness and support for sexual violence in the LGBTQ community," was corroborated by survey participants. Participants' views of unique considerations for LGBTQ sexual assault victims are presented, including causal factors, consequences, and recommended strategies.
authors.affiliation: University of Oregon.
authors.forename: Jeffrey L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Todahl
authors.forename: Deanna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Linville
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bustin
authors.forename: Jenna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wheeler
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gau
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012924:Social Conditions; D012944:Social Support; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult