1st Edition
LGBTQ+ Intimate Partner Violence A Guide for Mental Health Practitioners
This book explores the unique issues involved in assessing, diagnosing, intervening, and treating intimate partner violence (IPV) in the LGBTQ+ population.
Currently, there is little to no instruction regarding this topic in training programs and this volume is the culmination of an effort to remedy this deficit. The authors draw upon clinical examples and research from the IPV programs in their own organization as well as external research to provide a comprehensive overview. Chapters span topics that include definitions of IPV, its history, relevant issues within the LGBTQ+ community and the unique facets of LGBTQ+ IPV and its assessment and diagnosis. Case examples indicate how an assessment should be carried out and how to develop appropriate and effective interventions and treatment plans.
This book will empower clinicians to assess for and treat LGBTQ+ IPV whenever and wherever they encounter it.
Part I: Introduction
Chapter 1: What is IPB?
Chapter 2: History of Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence and Healthcare
Chapter 3: LFBTQ IPV History
Chapter 4: LGBTQ versus heterosexual IPV
Chapter 5: Why focus on LGBTQ IPB?
Part II: A Clinical Overview
Chapter 6: Review of Theories of IPV
Chapter 7: Substance Abuse and IPV
Chapter 8: Psychiatric Illness and IPB
Chapter 9: The Assessment
Chapter 10: Treatment
Chapter 11: The Law and IPV
Chapter 12: Special Considerations
Part III: Specific Populations
Chapter 13: Gay Men
Chapter 14: Lesbian
Chapter 15: bisexual Male or Female
Chapter 16: Transgender MTF or FTM
Chapter 17: Summary and Resources
Biography
Susan Holt, PsyD, LMFT, CCDVC has been a long-standing leader in the field of LGBTQ+ Intimate Partner Violence. She founded the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Stop Violence Program, serves as its director and was instrumental in the development of the Center’s National Institute on LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).
Amir K. Ahuja, MD, is the Director of Psychiatry at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, President of AGLP: The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists, and President of the American Psychiatric Association LGBTQ Caucus. He also has a private practice in Beverly Hills, CA, USA.
"Thirty-five years ago I climbed out a window in my San Francisco apartment to escape my violent partner—who had locked the front door with threats to “sort me out once and for all.” Back then, there were no books like this to help me. In fact, there’s never been a book like this!
A monumental achievement by expert authors who don’t shy away from the complexities of LGBTQ intimate partner violence: from intersections of race, class, gender identity, and HIV status, to the inherent challenges to the male/female abuse paradigm and the dearth of understanding within the broader queer community, it’s all in here.
The duration and severity of intimate partner violence a queer person experiences, the authors say, is determined by the effectiveness of treatment they receive. This book is the key to that better treatment. If you’re new to this topic or have been reading about such violence for years, this book will change what you think you know about it."
Patrick Letellier, co-author of Men Who Beat the Men Who Love Them
"Dr. Susan Holt and Dr. Amir Ahuja have written an indispensable volume for LGBTQ+ people who find themselves in the midst of intimate partner violence, as well as for people who care for them. Since LGBTQ+ affirming care is not readily available outside select major urban centers, this book has far-reaching impact that gives not only deep understanding and much-needed hope but also “next-steps” and very practical guidance to mental health clinicians across the globe."
Petros Levounis, MD, MA, Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, and Associate Dean, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, USA
"Holt and Ahuja’s text is a detailed overview of a long-standing and long-misunderstood problem of intimate partner abuse/violence (IPV) in LGBTQ+ communities. Based on a comprehensive review of research and knowledge in this field, the authors effectively highlight the impact of homophobia and transphobia on the experience of IPV, and on clinical interventions to assist people facing the problem, whether they are aggressors or victims. This book is a valuable resource to support clinicians in their assessments and treatment plans."
Barrie Levy, MSW, LCSW, UCLA School of Public Policy, Dept. of Social Welfare, psychotherapist, organizational consultant, and author of In Love and in Danger: A Teen's Guide to Breaking Free of Abusive Relationships
"This is a much-needed book because, as the authors Susan Holt and Amir Ahuja highlight, the rate of IPV in the LGBTQ+ community is of epidemic proportion, yet, there is a dearth of literature on this subject. This book skillfully lifts the veil of silence on this topic, busting myths and thoroughly exploring the specificities of IPV in LGBTQ+ populations. It will equip readers with robust knowledge. It is a must-read for all mental health practitioners."
Silva Neves, psychotherapist, author of Sexology: The Basics and co-editor of Relationally Queer.
