Sexual violence against the transgender community is prevalent. Sexual violence is first and foremost a form of violence and often takes the form of a hate crime against transgender individuals. Anti-trans rhetoric and beliefs not only contribute to the rates of sexual violence against trans people, but the misconceptions that follow them and their ability to access care.
The 2017-2020 National Crime Victimization Survey was the first major survey to include statistics on violence against transgender people. Transgender folks were 2.5 times more likely to be victims of violent crime (CRIME VIC SURVEY). According to Forge, 72% of transgender people identify as adult survivors of sexual assault. Approximately 77% of transgender individuals identify having a sexual orientation other than heterosexual, and the largest percentage, 25 percent, are bisexual (taskforce). Bisexual individuals were 18 times more likely to be sexually assaulted from 2017-2020 (crime vic).
Unfortunately, there are many unfair negative stereotypes against trans people. Recent rhetoric has tried to paint transgender people, or anyone who challenges the gender binary, as groomers. In reality, recent research has shown that transgender people are actually significantly less likely than cisgender people to commit acts of sexual violence (Medscape).
The rights of trans children have also been weaponized, despite evidence that suggests anti-trans beliefs lead to an increase in sexual violence against these children. 36% of students who were restricted access to the locker room or bathroom that best represents their gender identity were sexually assaulted within the past year (LGBTQ Teen Study 2019). More than three out of four transgender students experience significant abuse at school, with 12% of that abuse being sexual. Transgender children of color are also at a greater risk for experiencing sexual violence when compared to their white transgender peers. It is no wonder why 80% of transgender students report feeling unsafe at school (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape).
Transphobia not only increases violence against trans people, but it restricts their ability to receive support afterwards. Many survivor-centered resources only cater to cis women, some are blatantly homophobic and transphobic, and those that are open to transgender people are often not always equipped to provide the best support. A forensic exam after the assault performed by someone welcoming of LGBTQ+ patients may be difficult to receive, causing survivors to forego this process altogether. Many transgender people live below the poverty line, making it hard to receive therapy and/or legal assistance.
https://forge-forward.org/resources/trans-communities-2/?tf=sexual-violence&rtf=&lf=&af=
https://forge-forward.org/resource/self-help-guide-for-trans-survivors/
https://ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/pubs/forge/sexual_numbers.html