Exploring experiences of disclosure for transgender and nonbinary survivors of abuse

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Victoria A. Kurdyla (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Gwen Hunnicutt

Abstract: In American society, the mainstream formula story for intimate partner violence depicts a scenario where an aggressive male perpetrator enacts physical violence against a helpless female victim. This formula story is heteronormative and relies and cis-gender actors who adhere to gender roles, leaving transgender and non-binary survivors without a narrative to legitimate their experience. Little research on intimate partner violence examines abuse in the lives of transgender and non-binary individuals, though the limited existing research indicates that transgender individuals seldom disclose their experiences to others. Through semi-structured interviews with nine transgender and/or non-binary survivors of IPV, this study examined the barriers and aids that transgender and non-binary survivors face when deciding whether to disclose their abuse. Participants indicated transphobia, minimization of abuse, and threats to outness as barriers that prevented disclosure. Participants also indicated interpersonal and structural support, a sense of urgency, and a desire to help others as aids to overcome these barriers. While such barriers and aids took various forms and meaning based upon the survivors race, sexuality, and ability status, more research is needed that explores the effects of intersecting identities.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2017
Keywords
Disclosure, Domestic Violence, Genderqueer, Intimate Partner Violence, Non-binary, Transgender
Subjects
Intimate partner violence
Gender-nonconforming people
Transgender people
Gender identity
Group identity

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