Intersectionality and sex and gender-based analyses as promising approaches in addressing intimate partner violence treatment programs among LGBT couples: A scoping review

Although Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is an important health and social issue, less is known about IPV among sexual orientation and gender-minoritized (SOGI) populations such as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) couples. IPV among same-sex (e.g. lesbian, gay, bisexual) and gender-minoritized (e.g. transgender) couples requires a reframing of this issue from a heteronormative and cisnormative lens in order to better understand and effectively address approaches to prevent this kind of abuse and to improve treatment programs. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore why including an intersectional lens in Sex and Gender-Based Analysis is needed to improve effectiveness of IPV treatment programs, analyzing what works and why among SOGI populations impacted by IPV in current IPV programs. Specifically, this scoping review systematically searched three academic databases to identify peer-reviewed publications examining: (a) existing treatment programs for SOGI-minoritized populations who are impacted by IPV, and (b) suggestions for future policies and services for SOGI-minoritized populations. Of the 1172 potential articles, 75 met the inclusion criteria, but none described IPV programs specific to SOGI-populations. The findings of this scoping review reflect the need for developing IPV programs that are informed by evidence-based practice in health and social services for SOGI populations, and will offer new approaches for current BIPs programs to move forward prevention and intervention.