Exposure to Violence Among LGBT Adolescents in Norway: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between sexual orientation and exposure to violence among Norwegian youth. Using data from the UngVold project conducted in 2023, it investigates the prevalence of family, sexual, peer, and intimate partner violence across various sexual orientations among 9,013 upper secondary school students. The analysis also considers how confounding variables may affect this association, including age, gender, immigrant background, religion, and family finances. The study asks if the association between sexual orientation and violence differs by gender, including for those with gender identities outside of boy and girl. Findings indicate that non-heterosexual youth report higher rates of all four forms of violence, particularly among gay/lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, and queer respondents. Even after accounting for confounding variables, the association between non-heterosexual identities and violence remains, with a slightly weaker relationship. Additionally, the study reveals complex interactions between sexual orientation and gender. Gay boys, bisexual girls, pansexual girls, and other gender identities of all sexual orientations are especially vulnerable to family violence. Girls and other gender identities of all sexual orientations and gay boys show the highest risk for sexual violence. Pansexual girls, gay boys, and other gender identities are also exposed to peer violence at a higher rate. While strong and statistically significant associations are shown to exist, this study doesn't establish a causal link between sexual orientation and violence. Further research is needed to explore additional influential factors in the relationship between sexual orientation and experiences of violence for young people in Norway.