Addressing Knowledge Regarding LGBTQ

Domestic Violence Among College Students

Maylen jackson BS, MPH (c)

Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, California State University, San Bernardino

KEY WORDS: LGBTQ COM MUNITY, DOMES TIC VIO LENCE, PUBLIC SERVI CE
ANNOUNCEMENT, LGBTQ RIGHTS, LGBTQ COLLEG E STUDENTS
 Table of Contents

ABSTRACT 3

BACKGROUND 4
RESEARCH STATEMENTS 4
HYPOTHESES 4

METHODS 4
A. DATA SOURCE 4
B. VARIABLES 4
C. DATA ANALYSES 5

RESULTS 5
A. DESCRIPTIVE DATA 5
B. BIVARIATE DATA 5
TABLE 1 5
TABLE 2 5
C. SURVEY VALIDATION RESULTS 5

DISCUSSION 6
A. DATA INTERPRETATION 6
B. LIMITATION 6
C. IMPLICATIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS 6

REFERENCES 7

APPENDIX 8
TABLE 1 PARTICIPANT RESPONSES 8
TABLE2: RE-CODED RESPONSES 12

CHARTS 13

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 Abstract

Objective: This study’s objective is to assess the effectiveness of a public service announcement
(PSA) on knowledge of LGBTQ domestic violence among college students.

Methods: Pre- and Post-surveys were developed and disseminated in the Fall of 2017 to assess
participant knowledge of LGBTQ domestic violence. A quasi experiment study was conducted
among 10 students. All data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS V24 and significance was
set at P<0.05.

Results: The findings of the study indicate significant changes in knowledge related to LGBTQ
domestic violence. Significant difference was found in the post-test survey on “LGBTQ
domestic violence is not reported as domestic violence” with a significant (P = 0.048).

Conclusion: Findings of the study indicate that the LGBTQ domestic violence PSA did increase
participant knowledge among most constructs. More studies are needed with a larger sample size
to evaluate if similar results among other colleges are found across our nation.

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Background
Despite equality challenges the LGBTQ community faces, college students account for 4 in 10
students that experience LGBTQ domestic violence, and victimization. About 1/3 of student
victims tell no one(1). The current literature demonstrates that 26% to 33% of gay men, 32% to
44% of lesbian women, 37% to 87% of bisexual men, and 61% to 91% of bisexual women
experience Intimate partner violence in their lifetime(2) . When compared to their heterosexual
counterpart the rates are much lower only accounting for 8-29% among men and 20%-35%
among women(2) . As a result, of this they are oppressed, and considered to have poor health
outcomes. As such, LGBTQ victims of domestic violence are subjected to shame, emotional
abuse, and physical abuse making this topic a public health concern.(3). The purpose of this
intervention was to assess student knowledge on the health topic of LGBTQ domestic violence.
Similarly, this interventions objective was to create awareness on LGBTQ domestic violence
after viewing a Public Service Announcement (PSA) and to inform students of resources
available on campus.
Research Statements
1. Is there a significant difference in knowledge about LGBTQ domestic violence and abuse
before and after public service announcement?
2. Did the public service announcement significantly change knowledge about LBTQ
women among study participants?
3. Did the public service announcement significantly change knowledge about GBTQ men
among study participants?
4. Is there a significant difference in knowledge about healthy relationship before and after
public service announcement?
5. Is there a significant difference in knowledge about CSUSB counseling for LGBTQ
before and after public service announcement?
6. Is there a significant difference in knowledge on the re-coded questions before and after
public service announcement?
Hypotheses
If the public service announcement is viewed by college students we will be able to determine
knowledge efficacy of LGBTQ domestic violence prevention from PRE-& POST surveys.

Methods
A. Data Source: Pre-Post surveys were developed & disseminated by two other
researchers to undergrad students in the Fall of 2017. A pre-survey was given before the
PSA viewing.
B. Variables: The variable constructs used in this study to categorize the survey question
were: domestic violence and abuse, LBTQ Women, GBTQ Men, Healthy Relationship,
CSUSB Counseling, and Re-Coded Questions. Domestic Violence and Abuse- 6
true/false questions were developed to measure knowledge on the topics. LBTQ
Women-1 true/false, and 2 multiple choice question were developed to measure
knowledge on the topics. GBTQ Men- 1 multiple choice question was developed to

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 measure knowledge on the topic. Healthy Relationship- 1- 4-point Likert scale, and 1
multiple-choice question was developed to measure knowledge on the topics. CSUSB
Counseling- 1 multiple choice question, and 1-4 point Likert scale questions were
developed to measure attitude, and knowledge on topics. Re-Coded Question- 2-4 point
Likert scale questions were developed to measure knowledge on topics.
C. Data Analyses: The data has been analyzed by first performing descriptive statistics
where frequencies (count, and percent’s) of each variable in PRE-& POST test were
carried out. The next step conducted was the McNemar test (to measure the differences
between two related groups in pre-and post-questions) if the test was unsuccessful then
the Chi-square (a measure to test the relationship) test was performed. If the Chi-square
failed to meet the specified system of rules then the Fisher’s exact (test is performed
when cell count is low less than 5) test was performed as the final analysis to perform, to
obtain the P-values on the variables. All missing data was excluded from study. 2
variables were re-coded from nominal to dichotomous to combine like responses. All
data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS V24 and significance was set at P<0.05.

Results
A. Descriptive Data: In this study, demographic data was not developed by the
researchers that created the survey instrument, therefore it will not be reported.

B. Bivariate Data

Table 1
Table 1 displays the frequency of responses in PRE-&POST test. For example, a higher
percent of participants reported “LGBTQ domestic violence is not reported as domestic
violence” in post-test to domestic violence efficacy as compared to pre-test (44% vs.
11%, P <.05). Similarly, a higher percent indicated False on post-test to “domestic
violence cases happening more among female victims then male victims” as compared to
pre-test, though it did not reach significance (77.8% vs. 22.2% P >.05). Likewise, a
higher percent of participants reported True in the post-test to “if 75% of same sex
relationships have been victims of domestic violence” as compared to pre-test, though it
did not reach significance (55.5% vs. 22.2% P >0.05). Comparably, higher percent of
participants reported in the post-test that 17-45% of “lesbians report being victims of
domestic violence “as compared to pre-test, though it did not reach significance (77.8%
vs.0.0% P >0.05).

Table 2
Table 2 displays the frequency of two re-coded responses in PRE- & POST test.

C. Survey Validation Results

The initial LGBTQ domestic violence and abuse construct-7 items Cronbach’s .417
after removing scale items, items 2 & 10 had internal consistency of Cronbach’s .682.

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 Likewise, the initial LBTQ Women construct-3 items Cronbach’s -.184 after removing
1 scale item, items 11&12 had an internal consistency of  -.413. However, for the
construct of GTQ Men no Cronbach’s alpha was needed. Moreover, the initial Healthy
Relationship construct-2 item Cronbach’s -.216 after re-coding the new Cronbach’s -
1.42E-14 for scale item 8. Furthermore, the initial CSUSB Counseling construct-2 item
Cronbach’s 1.421E-14 after re-coding the new Cronbach’s alpha was -1.421E-14 for
scale item 7. Peer survey validation indicate knowledge as the best construct to subdivide
sections.

Discussion
A. Data interpretation
The study’s findings demonstrate knowledge gained among most variables, changes in response
choice & percent’s in pre-& post- test were noticed. An implication this study had was some of
its contructs had no internal consistency among some variables.
The findings from PRE-& POST survey test indicate that the variable that states “LGBTQ
domestic violence is not: reported as domestic violence” was significantly different (P = 0.048)
when compared to other variables.
The findings from PRE-& POST survey test indicate that “In LGBTQ, domestic violence cases
there are more female victims then male victims” show that participants had a change in
response choice in pre-and post-test.
The findings from PRE-& POST survey test indicate that the variable that states “if 75% of
people in a same sex relationships have been victims of domestic violence” show that
participants had a change in response choice in pre-and post-test.
The findings from PRE-& POST survey test indicate that the variable that states “How many
lesbians report being the victim of domestic violence” show that participants had a change in
response choice in pre-and post-test.
B. Limitation
A Limitation the study had is the low sample size, N=10, It was difficult to find significant
relationships from the data. Another limitation is this study is not generalizable to other
populations outside college students. The U.S. population varies from 18 and older vs. the typical
college student age is between 18-30 yrs.
C. Implications and Future Directions
The outcome of this study demonstrates that the public service announcement developed was an
effective tool to address LGBTQ domestic violence knowledge among college students.
Although not all variables indicate significance, future studies should be done on a larger scale to
test the reliability of this study. This study’s finding has important implications for preventive
knowledge interventions among college students.

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 References

1. Intimate Partner Violence Among LGBTQ+College Students [Internet]. [cited 2018 Mar 7].
Available from:
https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1
&article=1209&context=carsey

2. Langenderfer-Magruder L. Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Subsequent Police

Reporting Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Adults in Colorado. J
Interpers Violence. 20160301;31(5):17.

3. NCAVP-IPV-Report-2016.pdf [Internet]. [cited 2018 Mar 6]. Available from:

http://avp.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/NCAVP-IPV-Report-2016.pdf

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 Appendix
Table 1 Participant Responses

Table1. Participant Responses

Questions Pre-Test Post-Test

Count (n %) Count (n %)

**Law enforcement is able to determine who the aggressor is in same sex domestic violence?

True 1 (11.1%) 1 (11.1%)

False 7 (77.8%) 8(88.9%)

Don't know 1 (11.1%) 0 (0.0%)

**75% of people in a same sex relationship have been a victim of domestic violence?

True 2 (22.2%) 5 (55.6%)

False 1 (11.1%) 3 (33.3%)

Don't know 6 (66.7%) 1 (11.1%)

**In LGBTQ, domestic violence cases there are more female victims then male victims?

True 4 (44.4%) 2 (22.2%)

False 2 (22.2%) 7 (77.8%)

Don't know 3 (33.3%) 0 (0.0%)

***Tension builds through the cycle of violence when excuses are constantly given in a relationship:
True 9 (100.0%) 8 (88.9%)
False 0 (0.0%) 1 (11.1%)
Don't know 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)

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Table 1. Continued
Questions Pre-Test Post-Test
Count (n %) Count (n %)
**Physical abuse causes more damage to a victim then psychological abuse:
True 1 (11.1%) 2 (22.2%)
False 8 (88.9%) 7 (77.8%)
Don't know 0 (0.0%) 0(0.0%)
**Property destruction is considered a form of abuse.
True 7 (77.8%) 7(77.8%)
False 0 (0.0%) 1 (11.1%)
Don't know 2 (22.2%) 1 (11.1%)
**There is the same amount of resources to assist same sex couples as heterosexual couples when
leaving an abusive relationship:
Strongly Agree 1 (11.1%) 1 (11.1%)
Agree 2 (22.2%) 3 (33.3%)
Disagree 5 (55.6%) 3 (33.3%)
Strongly Disagree 1 (11.1%) 2 (22.2%)
***Being supportive of a partner is an important part of healthy relationship.
Strongly Agree 8 (88.9%) 9 (100.0%)
Agree 1 (11.1%) 0 (0.0%)
Disagree 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)
Strongly Disagree 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)
***Which of the following statements is considered a form of abuse:
Sexual 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)
Stalking 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)
Emotional 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)
Harassing 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)
All of the above 9 (100.0%) 9 (100.0%)

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Table 1. Continued

Questions Pre-Test Post-Test

Count (n %) Count (n %)
*LGBTQ domestic violence is not.

Underreported 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)

Unacknowledged 2 (22.2%) 0 (0.0%)

Reported as domestic violence 1 (11.1%) 4 (44.4%)

None of the above 6 (66.7%) 5 (55.6%)

**Lifetime prevalence of rape and physical violence by an intimate partner is greatest for which group
of women?
Lesbian 0 (0.0%) 5 (55.6%

Bisexual 1 (11.1%) 1 (11.1%)

Heterosexual 5 (55.6%) 2 (22.2%)

Don't Know 3 (33.3%) 1 (11.1%)

**How many lesbians report being the victim of domestic violence?

20--25% 3 (33.3%) 1 (11.1%)

17-45% 0 (0.0%) 7 (77.8%)

30-40% 1 (11.1%) 0 (0.0%)

10-15% 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)

Don't Know 5 (55.6%) 1 (11.1%)

**In building a healthy relationship, which is the most important building block?

Respect 7 (77.8%) 6 (75.0%)

Trust 1 (11.1%) 2 (25.0%)

Financial Security 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)

Honesty 1 (11.1%) 0 (0.0%)

Don't Know 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)

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Table 1. Continued

Questions Pre-Test Post-Test

Count (n %) Count (n %)
**Lifetime prevalence of stalking by an intimate partner is greatest for which group of men?

Gay 2 (22.2%) 4 (44.4%)

Bisexual 0 (0.0%) 1 (11.1%)

Heterosexual 3 (33.3%) 3 (33.3%)

Don't Know 4 (44.4%) 1 (11.1%)

**If I needed counseling for intimate partner violence I would use:

Pride center 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)

CSUSB health center 1 (11.1%) 1 (12.5%)

CSUSB psychological center 7 (77.8%) 7 (87.5%)

Outside resources 1 (11.1%) 0 (0.0%)

I am not sure 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)

*P < 0.05
**P  0.05
***P value cannot be calculated

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 Table2: Re-Coded Responses
Table 2. Re-Coded Responses

Questions Pre-Test Post-Test

Count (n %) Count (n %)
**There is the same amount of resources to assist same sex couples as heterosexual couples when
leaving an abusive relationship:
Strongly Agree
3 (33.3%) 4 (44.4%)
Or Agree
Strongly Disagree
6 (66.7%) 5 (55.6%)
Or Disagree
***Being supportive of a partner is an important part of healthy relationship.

Strongly Agree
Or Agree 9(100.0%) 9(100.0%)

Strongly Disagree or
1 (0%) 1 (0%)
Disagree

*P < 0.05
**P  0.05
***P value cannot be calculated

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 Charts

LGBTQ Domestic Violence is not

55.60%
None of the above
66.70%

44.40%
Reported as domestic violence
11.10%

0%
Unacknowledged
22.20%

0%
Underreported
0%

POST-TEST PRE-TEST

In LGBTQ, domestic violence cases there are more female

victims then male victims?

77.80%

44.40%
33.30%
22.20%

0 0.00%

TRUE FALSE Don't know

PRE-TEST POST-TEST

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