Suicide and Violence Prevention

Violence is a serious public health problem in the United States. It affects all types of people in all stages of life. Those who survive violence are often left with permanent physical and emotional scars. Gay, bisexual, and other MSM are at increased risk of violence that is the result of homophobia, harassment, and violent acts directed towards gay persons.

Suicide Prevention

Males in the United States are more likely to take their own life at nearly four times the rate of females and represent 79% of all U.S. suicides. Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death for males in the United States. Men who have sex with men are at even greater risk for suicide attempts, especially before the age of 25. Some risk factors are linked to being gay or bisexual in a hostile environment and the effects that this has on mental health.

LGBT Specific Resources:

• The Trevor Project - A national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth

General Resources:

• Understanding Suicide [PDF - 352 KB]
• Suicide: Facts at a Glance [PDF - 187 KB]

Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs between two people in a close relationship, including current and former partners. IPV can range from a single episode of violence to ongoing battering. IPV includes four types of behavior: Physical violence, sexual violence, threats of physical or sexual violence, and emotional abuse. Studies have estimated that 11% to 44% of men who have sex with men surveyed experienced IPV in same-sex relationships.

LGBT Specific Resources:

• Domestic Violence, The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs

General Resources:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), 800-787-3224 TYY
• GLBT National Help Center - Providing free and confidential telephone and internet-peer counseling, information and local resources
• Understanding Intimate Partner Violence [PDF - 600 KB]
• Understanding Teen Dating Violence [PDF - 324 KB]

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence refers to sexual activity where consent is not obtained or freely given. The person responsible for the violence is usually someone known to the victim. Sexual violence does not only include physical contact between the victim and the perpetrator (person who harms someone else), it also includes sexual harassment, threats, peeping, and taking nude photos. Other sexual violence, including unwanted touching and rape, does include physical contact.

LGBT Specific Resources:

• Rape & Sexual Assault, The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs
• Local Anti-Violence Programs, The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs

General Resources:

• Understanding Sexual Violence
• Sexual Violence: Facts at a Glance [PDF - 101 KB]