June 22, 2007
Gay Teens Face More Abuse, Study Shows
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 1 MIN.
A report released in British Columbia last week found that GLBT teens are three times more likely than their straight counterparts to suffer physical violence--including sexual abuse--at school, as well as to be subjected to other forms of harassment.
The report, authored by Elizabeth Saewyc, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, was released by the McCreary Center Society of Vancouver, reported Gay365.com last week.
Interestingly, GLBT teens were also found to be three times more likely to have become pregnant, or impregnated someone else than straight teenagers.
The report showed a decline in the incidence of physical and sexual violence aimed at young gay males over an 11-year period between 1993 and 2003; however, the same report showed an increase in episodes of violence directed against lesbians and female bisexuals.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
