The findings of this report demonstrate that LGBTQ victims of crime still did not have consistent access to culturally competent services to prevent and address the violence against them. Too often, mainstream victim assistance agencies cannot meet the needs of LGBTQ crime victims in culturally sensitive ways, while LGBTQ-specific anti-violence programs either lack the resources to do so or do not exist. Without access to culturally competent advocacy, intervention, and other critical services, LGBTQ victims will continue to suffer disproportionately from violence and the after-effects of victimization.
This report makes recommendations and ultimately proposes collaboration between mainstream victim assistance agencies and LGBTQ-specific anti-violence programs to increase the efficacy and equity of services provided to LGBTQ victims of crime, particularly hate violence and intimate partner violence. The recommended strategies will be effective only when supported by the necessary changes in laws and policies to provide LGBTQ victims of crime with equal access to victims’ rights and services.