Mental Health Supports for Sexual and Gender Minorities Who Experience Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse: A Systematic Review of North American Literature.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review synthesized North American research on how sexual and gender minorities (SGM) who experienced intimate partner violence and abuse (IPV) sought and experienced mental health support. Using meta-aggregative methods, it identified four themes across studies from the United States and Canada: affirming spaces, provider characteristics, the healing process, and community awareness of services. Mental health providers, excluding couples’ counselors, were described as supportive, helping clients develop skills to manage or leave abusive relationships. Inclusive language, provider training on SGM-specific IPV, and strong client-provider rapport were identified as important features of support.

Key findings

• The review identified four synthesized themes: affirming spaces, mental health provision, the healing journey, and community awareness of services.
• Mental health providers, excluding couples’ counselors, were described as supporting self-development and skills to manage or leave abusive relationships.
• Inclusive language in SGM-affirming spaces was associated with greater comfort discussing IPV with mental health providers.
• Training on SGM-specific IPV and client-provider rapport were identified as important features of effective support.

Why it matters

SGM experiencing IPV may face both abuse and discrimination when seeking help. The review highlights how affirming communication, provider understanding of SGM-specific IPV, and a trusting therapeutic relationship can shape access to and experience of mental health support. These findings can inform efforts to make services more responsive to this population.

What to keep in mind

The review is limited to peer-reviewed North American literature, and the abstract does not report quantitative estimates of support effectiveness.