Examining Cultural Differences Around Gender Based Violence Among Marginalized Students

Introduction: Although students of color and LGBTQ+ students are at a higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence (GBV), the majority of what we know centers the experiences of straight white cis men and women. Most studies are not inclusive of the experiences of students of color and LGBTQ+ students. Individuals of color are also more vulnerable to the negative effects of GBV, including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, substance abuse, and disordered eating. To better incorporate the experiences of marginalized students, it is important to understand the experiences, attitudes, and beliefs of these populations.

Methods: The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore perspectives on GBV by students with marginalized identities; and to understand the cultural norms that contribute to those perspectives. As part of this study, students participated in online virtual text group chats (n=64) with individuals who shared the social identity that is most salient to them. They answered multiple questions like, “how would you define sexual assault,” and “Why or why not do you think sexual assault is taken seriously by those with your shared identity?” The focus of this study were their responses to, “What are the things about the culture (i.e. norms, perceptions, beliefs) around this group’s shared social identity that make individuals more vulnerable to experiencing gender-based violence?”

Results: Results of this study found some notable differences in groups based on race and LGBTQ+ status. Asian and Latine students were more likely to mention cultural traditions that made women more vulnerable to sexual and intimate partner violence. One Asian participant stated, “The conservative...norms of the culture make it very taboo for women to speak...it has been a variety of victim blaming or attempts to minimize the situation as much as possible. A lot of excuses [are] made for men in the community as they are allowed a lot more leeway.” Black participants, however, were more likely to bring up oppression; “White supremacy is internalized and present in the way our bodies are abused and devalued within the community. Including but not limited to colorism and heteronormativity.” The LGTBQ+ community also discussed perceptions of those outside the community and how it makes them more vulnerable. They discussed the sexualization and fetishization of people within the community, and how their marginalized status as queer, “threatens the establishment of societal gender roles, which makes us targets of violence motivated by ‘doing gender wrong.’” One participant also said, “The limiting nature of being queer in places with few queer people may lead some people to seek out romantic/sexual encounters in sketchy ways or with sketchy people.”

Discussion: Results demonstrated that there are cultural norms that affect people’s vulnerability to GBV. Different groups are affected by systems differently. Some groups were more concerned with perceptions by outside groups that make them more vulnerable to violence; while other groups were more concerned with within culture beliefs that increase the likelihood they will experience GBV. These differences need to be considered in prevention and intervention program development.