Rates of physical and sexual violence higher against non-binary and trans people

Residents of California who identify as non-binary and transgender experience alarmingly higher rates of physical and sexual violence, according to the first annual survey tracking these incidences

According to the California Violence Study, one in 20 Californian adults (5%) experienced physical violence last year, which has decreased by 8% in 2022. The reports from non-binary and transgender individuals were notably higher at 14% and 27%. 

Non-binary and transgender individuals were notably higher at 14% and 27%

A ‘common experience’: How can California protect its LGBTQ citizens?

“These experiences remain too common, especially for our gender diverse and sexually diverse communities,” said Anita Raj, PhD, MS, Affiliate Professor at the University of California San Diego and executive director of the Newcomb Institute at Tulane University. 

“Data has historically lacked information on non-binary and transgender individuals, so we have not had a clear picture of their experiences with violence until now” explained Raj. But now we know the extent, what can be done?

The fourth annual CalVEX survey, which involves over 3,500 adults, discovered that 9% of respondents reported experiencing sexual harassment or assault in the past year, a decrease from 11% in 2022. 

56% reporting sexual harassment and 40% reporting sexual assault

However, non-binary and transgender adults had notably higher rates, with 56% reporting sexual harassment and 40% reporting sexual assault. 

When asked how many individuals had experienced sexual partner violence at some point, more than half of all adults in California had (54%). 

Women (54%), non-binary individuals (76%), and transgender individuals (83%) were more likely than men (38%) to have had this experience. 

The impact of physical and sexual violence on mental health

Additionally, the CalVEX survey gathered data on violence and mental health, revealing significant associations and effects.

Those who experienced physical violence in the past year were:

• More than twice as likely to report severe depression and/or anxiety symptoms
  • 14% vs. 6%
• Four times more likely to report serious consideration of suicide
  • 25% vs. 6%
• More than twice as likely to report recent substance misuse
  • 67% vs. 28%

Those who experienced sexual harassment or assault in the past year were:

• More than twice as likely to report severe depression and/or anxiety symptoms
  • 14% vs. 6%
• Four times more likely to report serious consideration of suicide
  • 22% vs. 5%
• Nearly twice as likely to report recent substance misuse
  • 51% vs. 28%

This research also explored disparities in violence based on race/ethnicity and economic status, revealing elevated violence rates among minority populations and those in economic distress. 

“Our goal with these data is to guide violence-prevention programming and policy development, recognizing the gendered risk attached to it and the socio-economic and health disparities,” said Raj. 

Police interactions: Violence-prevention programming

Many individuals who have been victims of violence do not report it to authorities. 80% of those who have experienced physical violence and 95% who have faced sexual violence choose not to report it.

This could indicate that people do not believe seeking help or legal action will be helpful. Additionally, some may be worried that reporting their experience could cause more problems for them.

People do not believe seeking help or legal action will be helpful

The survey inquired about recent police stops or approaches in California. 12% reported poor treatment, with higher rates for men (13%) than women (11%). 

Additionally, the survey revealed that one reason that may discourage people from reporting incidents to the police is that 1 in 25 respondents (4%) said they were victims of police violence. This suggests that criminal justice responses may not be useful in addressing violence.

The survey was conducted online by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the University of California San Diego’s Center on Gender Equity and Health (GEH) from March to May 2023.