Victimization Against Latinas with Sexual and Gender Minority Identities: A Scoping Review

Abstract

With limited existing synthesis on victimization among Latina sexual and gender minorities (SGMs), this scoping review analyzes the prevalence and impacts of victimization on Latina SGMs in the US, an under-studied topic. A comprehensive literature search and review was conducted between late February and late May 2024. Articles were included if they (a) had disaggregated Latina SGM samples in the US, (b) studied victimization, (c) were empirical, and (d) were written in English or Spanish. This review contains 26 articles grouped into three main topics: the prevalence of victimization among Latina SGMs, intra- and inter-racial comparisons of Latina SGMs’ victimization, and the contributing factors and consequences of victimization among Latina SGMs. The majority of studies relied on community samples for prevalence estimates, yielding a wide range. Latina SGMs consistently reported a higher prevalence of victimization than heterosexual individuals, regardless of racial/ethnic identities, but did not always report a higher prevalence compared to SGMs in other racial groups. Mental health issues were common consequences of victimization, with a small number of articles revealing post-victimization resilience. Future research should rely on validated measures of victimization, utilize longitudinal study designs with victimization in early childhood, and collect information regarding Latina SGMs’ other social identities to better understand the long-term impacts of victimization on Latina SGMs through an intersectional lens. There is a need for more research, policy, and practice regarding culturally responsive programs for Latina SGMs with victimization experiences.