Project lead: Diane Stoianov

Existing research repeatedly suggests that homosexual and bisexual people are at elevated risk of intimate partner violence (IPV), but the evidence on lesbians is inconclusive, often because data on LGBT populations is not disaggregated by sex.

In collaboration with researchers at the Vision, Health, and Society (VISION) consortium, this project uses large-scale, national data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales to describe the prevalence and the types of IPV (e.g., physical abuse, financial abuse, stalking) experienced by lesbians compared to other sexual orientation groups by sex. Findings will help to paint a more granular picture of prevalence and risk among sexual minorities. 

Project lead: Priya Davda

Existing and early work on lesbian motherhood has focused on family planning and pathways to conception. This study collects qualitative interview data to explore a wider expanse of lesbian mothers’ voices and experiences, including how lesbian identity and parenthood intersect, the experiences of non-biological mothers, relationships with extended families and/or donors, and interactions with healthcare, education, and family services.