The impactof sexual violence on quality of life and mental well-being of transgender and gender diverse individuals

Abstract Objectives Transgender (trans) and gender diverse (GD) individuals have remained largely invisible in health research. Previous research shows worse outcomes on health indicators for trans people when compared to cisgender controls. Research on the impact of sexual violence focuses on mainly cisgender female victims. This study assessed the impact of sexual violence on quality of life (QoL) and mental well-being among trans and GD individuals. Methods An online, anonymous survey was conducted between Oct/21 and Jan/22 in Belgium. QoL and well-being were analyzed for differences between trans and GD victims of sexual violence versus non-victims. A backward regression analysis was applied, attempting to obtain a sexual violence model to explain significant differences in health-related outcomes. The effects of multiple control variables (gender identity, sexual orientation, age, income, ...) were taken into account within the modeling approach. Results The sample consisted of 310 respondents aged 15 years and older, with 107 (34.5%) transgender respondents and 203 (65.5%) GD respondents. 71.6% reported experiences with sexual violence over the past two years (n = 166). The backward regression analyses showed that sexual violence did not significantly impact QoL (p = .536), but it did have a significant impact on mental well-being (GHQ-12, p = .001). Other variables proved to be of importance in predicting QoL, such as age, socio-economic status, employment, relationship status, and living according to one’s own gender identity. Sexual violence predicted a significantly higher score on the GHQ-12 and thus predicted more psychological problems. Also age predicted mental well-being. Conclusions In understanding health disparities among trans and GD people, it is necessary to take into account the additive effect of multiple socio-economic positions. The high proportion of sexual violence, as well as the lower average QoL and mental well-being outcomes among trans and GD people compared to general population statistics, highlights the need for policy makers to create inclusive environments. Conflicts of Interest We hereby declare that there is no conflict of interest by submitting this abstract. The abstract and presentation are completely free from commercial influence or bias.