Study Finds Increased Risk of Sexual Violence for LGBTQ+ Youth

Almost 1 in 5 adolescents in the United States experience some form of dating violence or sexual assault, according to data collected by the U.S. Department of Justice. But youths who are members of the LGBTQ+ community have a much higher risk of experiencing these types of violence, a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health reports.

"Our research shows that adolescents identifying as either bisexual or 'other' were at highest risk for sexual violence," said Andrew Yockey, University of Mississippi assistant professor of public health and co-author of the report. "This is important because as the number of LGBT+ people increase in the U.S., research and prevention to treat severe problems like this still lag behind."

Yockey and Rachel Hoopsick, assistant professor of health and kinesiology at the University of Illinois, used the 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System report to understand the breakdown in sexual violence rates among American youth.

Of the nearly 17,000 students surveyed, researchers found that sexual minority youth, particularly males, had significantly greater odds of reporting sexual violence than heterosexual adolescents.

Gay male students were nearly seven times more likely to report sexual violence during their lifetime. Bisexual males were three times more likely, and female bisexual students were twice as likely. Male youths who identify as "questioning" or "other" had the highest risk observed in the study, at 13 times more likely to report sexual violence in their lifetime.

"The disparities in violence we observed reflect broader structural inequalities," Hoopsick said. "Social stigma, lack of inclusive policies and limited access to affirming resources leave sexual minority youth more exposed to harm."

These findings highlight the need for targeted intervention and education both to prevent future assaults and to care for students who have already experienced sexual violence, Yockey said.

"Prevention efforts must be paired with trauma-informed supports that meet students where they are," the Ole Miss researcher said. "Survivors need accessible, affirming resources long after an incident occurs, as research shows that the mental health and academic impacts of sexual violence can persist for years without adequate support."

Inclusive, trauma-informed approaches not only address disparities in risk and access to care but also strengthen campuswide prevention and response systems, the researchers said.

"Trauma-informed, inclusive care means training teachers and staff to recognize signs of victimization, implementing clear and confidential reporting pathways, and ensuring students have access to affirming counseling and health services," Hoopsick said.

"When schools create environments that are safe and supportive for sexual minority youth, they ultimately create safer spaces for all students."

Top: Nearly 20% of adolescents experience dating violence or sexual assault, but the risks are even higher for teens who do not conform to gender norms. These findings highlight the need for targeted intervention and education, UM professor Andrew Yockey advises. Adobe Stock photo