Domestic violence refers to a pattern of behavior in which one person uses violence, intimidation, or coercion to dominate another within a domestic setting, often within intimate partnerships. While commonly understood as physical violence, it also includes sexual, emotional, and psychological harm. This term has traditionally centered cis-heterosexual relationships, which can obscure its presence in LGBTQ+ dynamics.

WWP EN tip: Recognize that domestic violence can take many forms and ensure that assessments and interventions reflect diverse relational contexts.

Domestic abuse is a broad term that captures a range of controlling and harmful behaviors within familial or intimate relationships, including emotional manipulation, financial control, coercive tactics, and psychological harm. It reflects the underlying power and control dynamics rather than only physical acts of violence. LGBTQ+ survivors may experience abuse that specifically targets their identities.

WWP EN tip: Adopt inclusive definitions of abuse and be prepared to identify non-physical signs, particularly in relationships that fall outside the mainstream narrative

Gender refers to the set of roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities that societies assign to people based on their perceived or assigned sex. Gender is socially constructed and can vary across time and culture. Strict gender norms often underpin abusive dynamics, especially when one partner punishes another for non-conformity.

WWP EN tip: Challenge rigid gender assumptions and offer support that affirms each client's self-identified gender.

Sexuality encompasses a person’s patterns of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction, as well as how they identify and express those feelings. It is shaped by personal, cultural, and societal influences. In abuse contexts, sexuality may be used as a tool of shame, control, or coercion—especially when it deviates from heteronormative norms.

WWP EN tip: Support LGBTQ+ clients by affirming diverse sexual identities and recognizing when abuse is linked to stigma or enforced conformity. 

Cisgender describes individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex assigned to them at birth. Cisgender people are less likely to face systemic barriers related to gender identity. In relationships, this privilege may be weaponized against a transgender or non-binary partner.

WWP EN tip: Reflect on cis-normative assumptions in their approach and ensure that services do not reinforce inequalities between cis and trans clients.

A heterosexual person experiences romantic or sexual attraction exclusively to individuals of the opposite gender. This orientation is often assumed as the societal norm, contributing to the erasure of other identities. In abuse settings, heteronormative assumptions can lead to misrecognition or minimization of LGBTQ+ survivors' experiences.

WWP EN tip: Avoid assuming heterosexuality and should ask clients open-ended, identity-affirming questions during assessment and intake.

The public story of domestic abuse refers to the dominant narrative that frames abuse as something that occurs mainly between a violent cisgender heterosexual man and a passive cisgender heterosexual woman. This framing has brought attention to gender-based violence but often excludes or downplays abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships and among people with non-conforming identities.

WWP EN tip: Expand their understanding beyond this limited story to recognize abuse across all relationships and identities and ensure that no one is excluded from support.

Cis-heteronormative refers to the assumption that all people are cisgender and heterosexual, and that these identities are superior or default. This worldview marginalizes LGBTQ+ individuals and distorts how abuse is recognized and responded to.

WWP EN tip: Work actively to dismantle cis-heteronormative assumptions in service delivery by including all gender and sexual identities in assessment, documentation, and programming.

Non-binary describes people whose gender identity does not fit exclusively within the traditional categories of male or female. Non-binary individuals may identify as both, neither, or a different gender entirely. These individuals often face misunderstanding, misgendering, or invalidation from services and partners.

WWP EN tip: Ensure services provide gender-affirming environments that recognize non-binary identities through inclusive language, documentation, and respectful engagement.

A gendered framework is an analytical approach that explains abuse as rooted in gender roles and inequalities, often based on male power and control over women. While useful, this framework may overlook the complexity of abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships and among individuals with different gender experiences.

Identity abuse is a form of emotional or psychological abuse in which a perpetrator targets aspects of a person’s identity—such as gender, sexuality, race, or disability—to degrade, control, or isolate them. Tactics can include outing, invalidation, or using stereotypes to shame.

WWP EN tip: Recognize and respond to identity abuse by creating space for clients to safely express their identities and by validating experiences of targeted harm that may otherwise go unacknowledged.

Internalized homo-bi-transphobia refers to the internal absorption of society’s negative messages about LGBTQ+ identities, leading individuals to experience shame, guilt, or self-rejection. This internal conflict can impact help-seeking and increase vulnerability to abuse.

WWP EN tip: Support clients by affirming their identities and offering nonjudgmental spaces to discuss the impact of internalized oppression, especially when it affects their relationships and self-worth.

Non-conformity refers to the refusal or inability to adhere to social expectations related to gender, sexuality, behavior, or appearance. Non-conforming individuals are often punished or controlled for their difference, especially in abusive relationships.

WWP EN tip: Avoid pathologizing non-conformity and instead work to understand it as a valid identity expression that may be targeted through abuse.

LGBTQ+ identities refer to the wide range of sexual and gender identities encompassed by the LGBTQ+ acronym and beyond. These identities are diverse, personal, and shaped by intersecting social experiences. Validating LGBTQ+ identities is core to providing domestic abuse services to the LGBTQ+ community.

WWP EN tip: Use inclusive language, affirming self-identification, and offering culturally competent care.

A lesbian is a woman who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to other women. In abuse contexts, lesbians may be overlooked as victims or perpetrators due to assumptions that women cannot be abusive.

WWP EN tip: Do not make biased assumptions in assessment and ensure that abuse in lesbian relationships is taken seriously and supported with appropriate interventions.   

Asexual refers to individuals who experience little or no sexual attraction to others. Asexuality is a valid orientation, and asexual people may still form intimate relationships and experience abuse.

WWP EN tip: Do not assume that sexual activity always defines intimacy or relationship legitimacy. Recognize and support asexual clients with respect for their orientation and relationship needs.

Gay typically refers to a man who is romantically or sexually attracted to other men, though some people use it more broadly. Gay individuals may face abuse that is compounded by societal stereotypes or internalized stigma.

WWP EN tip: Provide culturally aware and affirming care that acknowledges how gay clients may experience abuse differently and that avoids stereotyped assumptions about their relationships.

Bisexual describes people who are romantically or sexually attracted to more than one gender. Bisexual individuals may face unique stigma, including invalidation or accusations of confusion or disloyalty, which can be weaponized in abusive relationships.

WWP EN tip: Ensure that bisexual clients are not subject to erasure and that their experiences of abuse are acknowledged and supported without judgment or minimization.

Fetishizing is the act of objectifying someone based on a specific trait, such as race, gender identity, or sexuality, often reducing them to a stereotype or fantasy. In abusive contexts, fetishization can lead to dehumanization and coercion.

WWP EN tip: Be alert to signs of fetishizing behavior in relationships and affirm each client's full humanity beyond how they are perceived or treated by others.

The term refers to a harmful belief that only certain identities or expressions are truly valid within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. This idea reinforces stereotypes and can be used within relationships to question or undermine someone’s identity.

WWP EN tip: Validate clients’ self-identified orientation or gender and avoid gatekeeping beliefs that suggest there is a “correct” way to be LGBTQ+.

Outing refers to the act of revealing someone’s LGBTQ+ identity or other personal information without their consent. This can happen intentionally or unintentionally and may expose individuals to discrimination, harassment, or harm. Outing violates a person’s privacy and autonomy, often causing emotional distress and jeopardizing their safety, relationships, or employment.

WWP EN tip: Respecting confidentiality and allowing individuals to disclose their identity on their own terms is essential to support dignity and well-being. Ensure clients feel safe enough to do that.

Transphobia refers to prejudice, discrimination, or hostility directed at transgender people or those perceived not to conform to traditional gender norms. It can occur on personal, institutional, or systemic levels and significantly impacts access to safety and services.

WWP EN tip: Identify and challenge transphobia in themselves, their colleagues, and their organizational practices to create safer, more inclusive environments.

This term describes someone who is more publicly open about their LGBTQ+ identity compared to others who may not be out due to personal or safety concerns. In abusive relationships, this difference may be exploited to shame or control a partner.

WWP EN tip: Avoid making assumptions about identity disclosure and support each client’s right to choose when, how, and whether to be out.

Allyship refers to the active and ongoing practice of supporting and advocating for marginalized communities, particularly those that one does not belong to. In abuse services, this means challenging discriminatory attitudes, amplifying marginalized voices, and creating inclusive spaces.

WWP EN tip: Commit to allyship by listening, learning, and taking action to dismantle structural barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Pride refers to both a social movement and a personal expression of LGBTQ+ identity, dignity, and resistance to oppression. It symbolizes empowerment, visibility, and community solidarity. For survivors of identity-based abuse, Pride can be a source of healing and strength.

WWP EN tip: Affirm clients' expressions of Pride and support their right to celebrate and express their identities freely.

Diverse identities refer to the various and intersecting social, cultural, and personal dimensions that shape how people see themselves and are treated by others. These include but are not limited to gender, sexuality, race, class, ability, and religion.

WWP EN tip: Learn to recognize the impact of diverse identities on each client’s experience of abuse and respond with personalized, culturally aware support that reflects the whole person.

Safe spaces are environments where people can express their identities without fear of judgment, discrimination, or harm. These spaces promote psychological safety and are especially important for LGBTQ+ individuals who face stigma or exclusion elsewhere.

WWP EN tip: Create and protect safe spaces by setting clear standards for respect, confidentiality, and inclusion at every level of client engagement.

Identity refers to the personal, social, and cultural characteristics by which people define themselves, including gender, sexuality, race, and more. In abusive relationships, identity can be attacked or controlled to break down a person's autonomy and self-worth.

WWP EN tip: Support recovery by affirming clients’ identities and countering any internalized shame or external invalidation they may have experienced through abuse.

Binaries are systems of thought that classify people into two opposing categories, such as male/female or victim/perpetrator. While these can simplify understanding, they often obscure the complexities of real human experiences and relationships.

WWP EN tip: Avoid relying on binary frameworks in assessments and instead explore the nuances of each client's context, identity, and relationship dynamics.

To misgender someone means to refer to them using a name, pronoun, or title that does not align with their affirmed gender identity. This act can be deeply invalidating and contribute to psychological harm, particularly when repeated or intentional.

WWP EN tip: Commit to using each client’s correct name and pronouns, and repair quickly and respectfully if mistakes occur.

Gender-neutral refers to language, spaces, or policies that do not assign or assume a particular gender. Examples include using “they” pronouns or offering non-gendered restrooms.

WWP EN tip: Incorporate gender-neutral practices into all levels of service delivery to ensure that clients of all identities feel safe, recognized, and respected.

The spectrum of identities refers to the understanding that gender, sexuality, and other aspects of identity exist on a continuum, not within fixed categories. It challenges binary thinking and embraces the diversity of human experience.

WWP EN tip: Acknowledge and validate the full range of identities your clients may hold, and ensure your services adapt to meet diverse and evolving needs without assumption or judgment.

LGBTQ+ spaces are environments—physical or virtual—designed to affirm, support, and protect individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. These spaces often offer peer support, culturally competent care, and community belonging.

WWP EN tip: Refer clients to LGBTQ+ spaces when appropriate and collaborate with these communities to strengthen your service’s inclusivity, visibility, and relevance.

Queer and trans-specific refers to services, programs, or environments designed specifically to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who identify as queer or transgender. These are often created by and for LGBTQ+ people and are rooted in lived experience.

WWP EN tip: Build partnerships with queer and trans-specific services and recognize when referrals to these specialized supports may be more appropriate or affirming for a client.

Gender-inclusive describes practices, spaces, and language that affirm all gender identities and avoid reinforcing gender norms or binaries. It promotes equity and safety by challenging assumptions about how people should identify or express themselves.

WWP EN tip: Review your forms, language, and policies regularly to ensure they are gender-inclusive and reflect your commitment to respecting all clients' identities.

Pronouns are words like he, she, or they used to refer to individuals in place of their names. They are often linked to a person's gender identity and are essential to being seen and respected as who they are.

WWP EN tip: Ask for and consistently use the correct pronouns for each client; doing so is a basic, powerful way to affirm identity and promote psychological safety.

Gender diversity refers to the wide range of gender identities and expressions that exist beyond the binary categories of male and female. It includes transgender, non-binary, agender, genderfluid, and other identities.

WWP EN tip: Recognize and respect gender diversity in every aspect of service—from intake to intervention—by creating systems that affirm all clients, not just those who fit traditional gender norms.

Misidentification happens when a provider wrongly identifies someone as the victim or perpetrator of abuse. This may occur due to unconscious bias, gender stereotypes, or a lack of understanding of power dynamics in non-heteronormative relationships.

WWP EN tip: Ensure your assessment practices account for relationship context and identity and avoid assuming roles based on gender presentation or dominant social scripts.

Minimization of abuse occurs when the harm someone experiences is downplayed, dismissed, or not taken seriously. This often happens in LGBTQ+ relationships due to the belief that abuse between same-gender partners is less serious or mutual.

WWP EN tip: Treat all disclosures of abuse with care and gravity and be prepared to challenge narratives that downplay harm based on gender, sexuality, or identity.

Allies are people who actively support and advocate for the rights and inclusion of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, even if they are not members of those groups themselves.

WWP EN tip: Practice allyship by listening to LGBTQ+ voices, advocating for inclusive policies, and intervening in moments of bias or exclusion within your service and community.

Sexual orientation describes a person’s enduring pattern of romantic or sexual attraction to others, which may include heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, and more. It is distinct from gender identity.

WWP EN tip: Respect each client’s orientation without assumption and recognize when abuse is shaped by stigma or efforts to control how someone identifies or expresses attraction.

Intersectionality is a framework that recognizes how multiple aspects of identity—such as race, class, gender, sexuality, and disability—interact to shape someone’s experience of oppression, privilege, and access to support.

WWP EN tip: Use an intersectional lens in all assessment and intervention processes to understand the full scope of each client’s lived experience and avoid one-size-fits-all approaches.

Intersecting identities refer to the many dimensions of self that overlap within each person, such as ethnicity, age, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. These intersections influence how individuals experience harm and access resources.

WWP EN tip: Support your clients by understanding how their identities combine to impact both risk and resilience, and tailor your interventions accordingly.

Gender identity is a person’s internal, deeply held sense of being male, female, both, neither, or something else entirely. It may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth.

WWP EN tip: Always respect and affirm clients’ stated gender identities in all communication and service delivery, recognizing this as central to safety, trust, and dignity.

Heteronormative describes a worldview that assumes heterosexuality as the default or preferred sexual orientation and promotes traditional binary gender roles. This assumption can erase LGBTQ+ experiences and shape inadequate or biased service responses.

WWP EN tip: Interrupt heteronormative thinking in your practice by using inclusive language, offering identity-affirming care, and recognizing diverse relationships and family structures.

LGBTQ+ spaces are physical or virtual environments intentionally created to affirm, support, and protect LGBTQ+ people. These spaces often serve as hubs for community building, advocacy, healing, and culturally competent care.

WWP EN tip: Refer clients to trusted LGBTQ+ spaces when appropriate and collaborate with these communities to strengthen inclusive practice and extend support networks.

Transgender refers to individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Trans people may or may not seek medical or legal transition and may identify across the gender spectrum. Abuse against trans individuals can involve outing, misgendering, or denying access to gender-affirming care.

WWP EN tip: Support transgender clients by affirming their identities, addressing systemic barriers, and ensuring access to services free from discrimination or erasure.