Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

School of Social Work

Advisor/Mentor

Gallagher, John M.

Committee Member

Long, Christian

Second Committee Member

Ferguson, Alishia

Keywords

Child Abuse; LGBTQ+; Maltreatment; Parental Rights; Religious Rights

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate LGBTQ+ childhood maltreatment, its reporting generally, and the impact of religion on reporting. It was hypothesized that LGBTQ+ youth will experience more maltreatment than their non-LGBTQ+ peers; among those who experienced maltreatment, LGBTQ+ youth will be less likely to receive help or have reports made; and those from more religious families will be less likely to have received help or had their maltreatment reported. A sample of individuals between the ages of 18 and 35, currently living in the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or Texas, was recruited to complete a cross-sectional survey. Quota sampling (50:50) was conducted by Qualtrics to ensure a comprehensive comparison between LGBTQ+ individuals and their cisgender, heterosexual peers. This study found that LGBTQ+ youth experienced emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at higher rates than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Additionally, it was found that LGBTQ+ youth were not less likely to receive help or have reports made compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Among LGBTQ+ participants who experienced maltreatment, those from more religious families were also not less likely to have received help or had their maltreatment reported. The findings of this research indicate a need for further advocacy for LGBTQ+ clients and for policies that protect them, as well as affirming providers. Additionally, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the impact of religion and parental rights on the reporting of such maltreatment, highlighting the need for further research.

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