LGBTQ: Sexual Assault, Partner Violence, and Stalking Guide

Understanding Interpersonal Violence

Examples of relationship violence: 

• Threatening to disclose personal/sensitive information
• Threatening to out their partner
• Destroying or taking their belongings
• Threatening physical harm to their partner or someone they care about
• Threatening to commit suicide if the other person leaves them
• Controlling daily activities, such as who they spend time with, what they do, etc.

Examples of stalking:

• Repeatedly sending unwanted gifts
• Following the person or showing up at their class, apartment, dorm room, work or other places they spend time
• Posting information or spreading rumors about the individual
• Repeated, unwanted text messages, email or social media contact
• Making threats to the person's family or friends

Examples of sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct:

• Pushing sexual boundaries
• Taking photos or videos of a sexual nature without the other person's consent
• Sexual touching or penetration without consent
• Using alcohol or drugs to take advantage of someone

Understanding Consent

NKU Defines consent as: Consent is clear, knowing and voluntary. Consent is active, not passive. Silence, in and of itself, cannot be interpreted as consent. Verbal consent is not a requirement of this policy; however, consent may be given by words as long as those words create mutually understandable clear permission regarding willingness to engage in sexual activity.

Consent to any one form of sexual activity cannot alone imply consent to any other forms of sexual activity. Previous relationships or prior consent cannot imply consent to future sexual acts. 

What should I do if I’m being abused?

First, know that the abuse you are experiencing or have experienced is not your fault. No one ever deserves to experience abuse, and it's important that you are in control of how you decide to move forward.

Many survivors find it helpful to talk about the experience with a trusted friend, professional, or other support person. There are confidential resources available in the community and at NKU to provide that support.

If you have concerns for your safety, you may want to talk to NVP staff to make a safety plan. A safety plan includes steps you can take or people you can work with to help ensure your physical and emotional safety.

You can speak with an advocate who is knowledgeable about interpersonal violence and has experience working with the LGBTQ community.

How can I help my friend or partner?

• If your friend or partner has disclosed an experience of interpersonal violence, believe them and don't question the details of their disclosure.
• Let them know the violence is not their fault.
• Avoid asking questions or making statements that may make them feel like the abuse is their fault.
• Ask how you can help or support them rather than telling them what they should do.
  
• Offer your unconditional love and support.
• If needed, find other sources of support.

Statistics 

• 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.
  
• 26% of gay men and 37.3% of bisexual men have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
• In a study of male same-sex relationships, only 26% of men called the police for assistance after experiencing near-lethal violence.
• In 2012 fewer than 5% of LGBTQ survivors of intimate partner violence sought orders of protection.
• Transgender victims are more likely to experience intimate partner violence in public compared to those who do not identify as transgender.
• Bisexual victims are more likely to experience sexual violence compared to people who do not identify as bisexual.
• LGBTQ Black victims are more likely to experience physical intimate partner violence compared to those who do not identify as Black.

Norse Violence Prevention Center 

The Norse Violence Prevention (NVP) Center provides confidential advocacy and assistance to university students who are affected by sexual harassment, sexual violence, partner violence and stalking. NVP strives to assist survivors in identifying which choices make the most sense for them. Some of the things NVP can help you with include: 

• Support and information on options and resources 
• Hospital advocacy 
• Safety planning 
• Academic accommodations 
• Housing accommodations 
• Assistance with reporting (on and/or off campus)
• Others, based on situation

To schedule an appointment, please call the Norse Violence Prevention Center at 859.572.5865 or stop by the center on the second floor of the Albright Health Center, Suite 246. For more information about NVP, please visit: nku.edu/nvp or e-mail us at nvp@nku.edu.

LGBTQ Programs and Services

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Programs & Services Office was created in the summer of 2013. As part of the Office of Student Affairs, we are committed to offering programs and services to increase visibility, awareness, and advocacy for LGBTQ students, staff, and faculty at Northern Kentucky University. Our location is Student Union 309.

Title IX Office

The Office of Title IX investigates complaints related to sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking. They may be able to assist with protective measures on campus including:

• Academic and housing accommodations
• No contact directive
• Removal of directory information
• Removal of parties from campus
• Others, based on situation

To file a report or to find more information about NKU's sexual harassment policy, please visit nku.edu/titleix.

NKU Resources

Community Resources

National Resources

Works cited for statistics

NCADV: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (n.d.). Retrieved September 01, 2020, from https://ncadv.org/BLOG/POSTS/DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE-AND-THE-LGBTQ-COMMUNITY