Abstract: This lecture will provide an overview of how intimate partner violence manifests itself in queer relationships. What are the early signs and “red flags” of domestic violence? How do non-physical forms of abuse look like? Which risk factors and help-seeking barriers are unique to queer individuals? How do unhealthy monogamous and polyamorous relationships look like? How can we help ourselves and our loved ones who might be experiencing abuse from their romantic partner? Based on psychological research on queer couples we will learn how to differentiate early signs and patterns of domestic violence that happen within queer romantic relationships.
Bio: Aina Aitbay (they/them) is a graduate student at the Gender Studies Department of Central European University. Their most recently completed research project focused on the prevalence of intimate partner violence in same-sex couples in Kazakhstan. Aina is a practicing counselor that works primarily with queer individuals and serves as a lecturer/workshop mentor for LGBTQ+ focused non-governmental organizations in Central Asia. Currently, Aina is working on a thesis project that focuses on the significance of heteronormativity intertwined with intimate partner violence in lesbian couples.