An exploration of LGBTQIA⁺ university students’ lived experience of intimate partner violence in South Africa

The global pandemic of intimate partner violence (IPV) is a growing issue in South Africa. Despite its prevalence and adverse health consequences, the effects of IPV remain poorly documented and understood, especially among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and plus (LGBTQIA⁺) student community. In addressing this paucity, this study explored how LGBTQIA⁺ university students who experienced IPV made sense of their experiences. Six in-depth interviews were conducted and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three superordinate themes were identified. The first superordinate theme, namely being trapped in the relationship, comprised five subordinate themes, which described barriers that kept them feeling trapped and prevented them from leaving the abusive relationship. Picking up the pieces was the second superordinate theme, which described the process of healing and moving on and comprised three subordinate themes detailing this process. The final theme, shaken foundations, described the sense of betrayal of trust that the LGBTQIA⁺ university students experienced. Findings from the current study highlight individual and institutional barriers that make the victims of IPV deal with the issue in silence and isolation. There is a need for gender transformative efforts from those rendering services and the larger society as this might show support and raise awareness on the seriousness of IPV in LGBTQIA⁺ relationship in South Africa, and may lead to programs promoting IPV prevention in South Africa and globally.