Date of Award

5-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School

College of Education and Human Services

Department/Program

Family Science and Human Development

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Brad van Eeden-Moorefield

Committee Member

Lyndal Khaw

Committee Member

Pearl Stewart

Abstract

Queer individuals (e.g., non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender) are at a heightened vulnerability to experience intimate partner violence (IPV) than heterosexual and/or cisgender individuals. However, there are few inclusive IPV services available specifically for queer individuals. This may be due to a lack of training or the presence homo/bi/transphobia. This dissertation fills this gap by connecting theory, practice, and research. It proposes a strain of queer theory that is applicable to interpreting IPV through the recognition of heteronormative social structures and heterogeneity of the queer community. Through collaboration with queer/queer friendly IPV service providers, theory was applied to develop empirically-based recommendations for implementing inclusive services. The synthesis of theory and findings from service providers informed a case study of a queer parenting youth who was experiencing IPV in the context of homelessness. Findings from this study increase understandings of how queer individuals are able, or unable, to navigate services in many contexts. Findings highlight heteronormativity within social structures and how it affects services. They increase practitioners’ knowledge of how to implement inclusive practices in their work. They also provide insight into the heterogeneity of the queer community, such as through survivors who are also experiencing homelessness, which will move away from the view of queers as a monolithic group.

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