Understanding LGBTIQA+ Experiences with IPV
To properly support LGBTIQA+ individuals, primary care providers need to educate themselves about LGBTIQA+ identities and experiences and IPV to ensure they can provide appropriate support to their clients. If providers are not well-prepared to support LGBTIQA+ individuals experiencing IPV, they may inadvertently overlook the unique challenges faced by LGBTIQA+ individuals and struggle to provide the necessary help.
Avoiding Burden on Clients
LGBTIQA+ clients should not be responsible for educating their providers about their identities and experiences. This expectation can add stress to their already challenging situation of dealing with IPV. Providers should take initiative in educating themselves to better support their clients.
Basic Understanding
Before recognising and addressing IPV in LGBTIQA+ experiences, primary care providers need to understand foundational LGBTIQA+ concepts to be able to offer more informed and empathetic support. Refer to our Glossary to learn more.
Continuous Training
Continuous training on IPV in LGBTIQA+ experiences is essential for all staff in IPV primary care services to provide effective support. Trainings will help keep primary care providers updated on best practices and the unique challenges faced by the LGBTIQA+ community. This includes new staff to ensure that everyone is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide inclusive and appropriate support to LGBTIQA+ individuals experiencing IPV.
Professional Development
Access to professional development opportunities is crucial for staff members to enhance their expertise in supporting the LGBTIQA+ community effectively. These opportunities can include workshops, seminars, webinars, and other resources that focus on IPV in LGBTIQA+ experiences.
Continuous Improvement
Continuous training and professional development help staff stay informed about the latest research, best practices, and evolving needs of the LGBTIQA+ community. This ongoing learning allows them to continuously improve their primary care services.
Available Resources
There are numerous websites that offer information on LGBTIQA+ and IPV topics. Providers can access these resources to enhance their knowledge and understanding, allowing them to deliver more inclusive and appropriate support to LGBTIQA+ individuals experiencing IPV.
Training & Development
Understanding Intersectionality
It is crucial for primary care providers to learn about intersectionality to provide more inclusive and effective support to LGBTIQA+ individuals experiencing IPV Intersectionality refers to the multiple identities that individuals may hold, and it plays a significant role in how IPV can affect them and their ability to access support from primary care services. Intersectionality includes factors such as race, culture, religion, disability, neurodivergence, age, and class.
An LGBTIQA+ individual may also belong to a racial or ethnic minority group, have a disability, or come from a lower socio-economic background. These intersecting identities can influence their experiences with IPV and how they seek and receive support.
For further information and resources on intersectionality, you can visit: