Source: YSL Beauty

September 2, 2023

YSL Beauty Releases New Research on LGBTQIA+ Intimate Partner Violence Study

Christopher Ehlers READ TIME: 7 MIN.

As if you needed one more reason to love the luxury brand, YSL Beauty has just unveiled new data through their "Abuse Is Not Love" initiative aimed at preventing intimate partner violence in the LGBTQIA+ community.

This unprecedented international study was developed by renowned gender and relationships researcher Dr. Beth A. Livingston and campus sexual assault prevention nonprofit It's On Us. Its aim was to explore the perceptions of toxic, abusive, and healthy relationships, hoping that the data would uncover insights that will inform solutions and educational resources as "Abuse Is Not Love" continues to develop new programming.

Although intimate partner violence is a major issue across the world, "Abuse Is Not Love" was created to specifically shine a light on what LGBTQIA+ individuals have experienced in abusive relationships, aiming to better support a community often excluded from current research and outreach.


According to a press release, at the heart of the study's findings was that the LGBTQIA+ community found greater barriers to access for support services and a lack of available information to find support. To address this issue, and to underscore that abuse can occur in any relationship across gender identity and sexual orientation, "Abuse Is Not Love" will continue providing education and training modules with nonprofit partners and will create additional programming with the specific experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in mind.

Results of the findings in the US included:

  • 41% of US respondents have been the victim of intimate partner violence (IPV) in a relationship
  • 32% of US respondents have been accused of IPV
  • 58% of US respondents agree with the statement "The LGBTQIA+ community is less supported than other communities"
  • 83% of LGBTQIA+ adults surveyed across the USA have some experience of IPV

    Key Takeaways:

  • Significant barriers exist in accessing support for those experiencing relationship abuse in the LGBTQIA+ community
  • The LGBTQIA+ community needs more inclusive resources to allow ease and understanding when seeking support
  • Healthy relationship education and inclusive role models are needed across the spectrum
  • Respondents were not likely to see the escalating nature of certain behaviors, particularly when considering intrusion, ignoring, and humiliation related behaviors
  • Important to develop educational services highlighting (a) that many behaviors can be IPV when they are used to control and (b) that seemingly benign behaviors can escalate to dangerous levels if we aren't aware of the signs
  • Support needs to be available to those who do not wish to act against their abuser, and provide bespoke services depending on the person's needs

    "When it comes to intimate partner violence and domestic abuse, it is essential that we consider all communities. As an advisor of the "Abuse is Not Love" program since its inception in 2020, I am committed to helping inform and support organizations advancing research that will help provide relevant educational tools for everyone who needs them," says Dr. Beth A. Livingston.

    "Contributing to thought leadership is an essential part of the "Abuse Is Not Love" strategy," said Stephan Bezy, International General Manager of YSL Beauty. "We must continue to fight abuse in all its forms and it's even more important to be able to help offer services to communities often overlooked. Abuse is not love, it's as simple as that."

    In addition to continuing to support non-profit organizations that are LGBTQIA+ led through "Abuse is Not" Love, YSL Beauty's programming will address specific needs related to inclusivity vs. neutrality, bolstering education around warning signs, healthy relationship education, reducing stigmas, and making programming more convenient and accessible. Importantly, these expanded services will also be accessible even for individuals who may not be prepared to act against their abuser, but who wish to access resources, ask questions, and get more information about potential support.

    "We know that LGBTQIA+ students often lack access to specialized and effective training, support, education and resources to prevent campus sexual assault and intimate partner violence, said Tracey Vitchers, Executive Director of It's On Us. "Through work like our partnership with YSL Beauty and "Abuse Is Not Love," It's On Us is dedicated to providing all students, no matter their sexuality or gender identity, with the resources and support they need to have healthy relationships during their time in college and the rest of their lives."

    To learn more about Abuse Is Not Love, or if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse and needs immediate assistance, please consult the list of domestic violence helplines at Abuse Is Not Love.

    by Christopher Ehlers

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