Youth experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) frequently avoid bringing their concerns to an otherwise trusted adult because of the fear that person will break their confidentiality and report IPV to child welfare or law enforcement based on mandatory child abuse reporting laws. LGBTQ youth may particularly worry about mandatory reporting because law enforcement or child welfare responses may “out” a person who is not ready to be public about their relationship, sexuality, or gender identity. Exposure before the young person is ready may erode relationships with friends, family, or school, undermine support systems, and even result in homelessness.

Key words: dating violence, mandatory reporting, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, LGBTQ survivors, LGBTQ youth