Factors associated with experiences of abuse among lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual (LGBTQA+) adults with disability in Australia.

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual (LGBTQA+) people with disability report greater levels of abuse than those without disability.

Objective: This study sought to further understand these experiences by examining factors associated with experiences of abuse among LGBTQA+ adults who reported a disability in Australia.

Methods: A national survey was conducted that included 2629 LGBTQA+ people who reported a disability aged 18 years and older, with data collected on experiences of verbal abuse, sexual assault, and social exclusion in the past 12 months as well as demographic characteristics.

Results: Of participants with disability, 42.5% reported experiencing verbal abuse, 17.4% sexual assault, and 50.3% social exclusion based on their sexuality or gender identity in the past 12 months. From multivariable analyses, verbal abuse was significantly more likely among trans women and non-binary participants and among those classified with more severe disability. Sexual assault was significantly more likely among those who lived in a rural area or had a higher income. Social exclusion was significantly more likely among those who were trans woman or non-binary, identified as bisexual, aged 18-24 years, or born in an English-speaking country other than Australia.

Conclusions: These findings illustrate contexts for heightened risks of specific forms of abuse and highlight an urgent need to understand and address experiences of abuse and their consequences among LGBTQA+ people with disability.