It is our commitment to educate on all queer related issues. From past moments and people in history to the current problems plaguing our community today. The matter of sexual assault and intimate partner violence is one of the most pressing issues among the LGBTQ. Staggering statistics show how incredibly vulnerable queer people are to this abuse. And also, how unlikely they are able to get help after the violence occurs. We review some of the most well-known studies published in the last decade. And discuss how to address this problem in local communities, not simply among the LGBTQ, but among society at large. Check out the episode to stay informed and aware, and to gain training resources for local businesses and public facilities. The most current large scale studies on the issue were released several years ago and created quite a stir in the media.  Yet this was before the Trump administration and the increase in homophobia and transphobia in America. While the studies were alarming when first reported, we can only imagine what would be found today. And so it is ever more important that we continue to shed light on the matter.  In this minisode, we are going to discuss some of the statistics concerning the queer community in relation to sexual assault and IPV (Intimate Partner Violence). As well as the dynamics surrounding these issues and how we address them. And we do need to start with a BIG trigger warning. We talk in depth about this issue, so please feel free to check out another one of our episodes. We suggest the most recent Villains of the LGBTQ; Anita Bryant. Or perhaps our sports episode, You Can’t Win a Championship Without Gays. Either way, don’t force yourself to listen to anything you are not in a safe place to hear.  We will begin by addressing one of the most well known reports. The 2010 Center for Disease and Control (CDC) National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. Before we dive in, it is important to understand some of the lingo used in discussing this topic. First, as we have stated, IPV stands for Intimate Partner Violence. And it doesn’t have to be a current partner, this also covers ex partners or spouses. The official definition is:  “Any behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological or sexual harm to those in the relationship, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviors.” This can mean a variety of things. In addition to physical abuse and sexual violence, this also covers stalking, harassment, and financial violence. Financial violence is controlling or withholding a person’s income or preventing their ability to earn an income.  It is also important to understand the scope of the words ‘sexual violence’. This covers any type of unwanted sexual conduct, ranging from sexist attitudes and actions to rape and murder. Within this are several terms that are often interchanged but yet have distinct differences. These are ‘sexual assault’, ‘sexual abuse’, ‘rape’, and ‘sexual harassment’. It is important to understand these differences when advocating for survivors of sexual violence. This way we can aid victims in finding the proper justice for the crime committed against them. It also helps in directing survivors to find the help they need. Furthermore, this allows every victim of sexual violence to feel that they have a voice that speaks their full truth.  The online academic journal The Conversation details the differences between the four terms. We took some of their descriptions from an article that breaks down the terminology and linked the page on our published script. The article was written by three scholars who have spent a decade researching the topic. Their descriptions are as such: Sexual Abuse – Used when referring to minors under the legal age of cons...