Tim Kaine: “according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth are at an…”

“according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth are at an increased risk for experiencing maltreatment compared to non-LGB youth. A 2011 meta-analysis of 37 school-based studies found that LGB adolescents were 3.8 times more likely to experience childhood sexual abuse and 1.2 times more likely to experience physical abuse by a parent or guardian when compared to their heterosexual peers. Additional studies have demonstrated that gender nonconformity during childhood may increase the risk for child maltreatment. Unfortunately, there is not enough research and data available to identify the risk of child maltreatment for individuals who identify as transgender. These risks for maltreatment often times result in LGBTQ youth entering the child welfare system. Studies have found that, ``LGBT young people are overrepresented in child welfare systems, despite the fact that they are likely to be underreported because they risk harassment and abuse if their LGBT identity is disclosed.'' This overrepresentation of LGBTQ youth in the foster care system raises concerns about issues in the child abuse and prevention space. Additional research is needed to understand the risk of maltreatment among LGBTQ youth, particularly those identifying as transgender.…”