Adapting the Duluth Model: Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships

The Duluth Model of IPV and Its Application in LGBTQ+ Contexts

The Duluth Model is one of the most widely used frameworks for understanding and addressing intimate partner violence (IPV). Developed in the 1980s by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, Minnesota, it is centred on the concept of power and control as a driving force behind abusive behaviours. At its core is the Power and Control Wheel, a tool that highlights the various tactics abusers use to maintain dominance over their partners. However, while originally designed for heterosexual, cisgender relationships, the Duluth Model needs adaptation to reflect the unique dynamics in LGBTQ+ contexts.

Understanding the Duluth Model and the Power and Control Wheel

The Duluth Model asserts that IPV is rooted in a desire to exert power and control over a partner, manifesting in multiple forms, such as physical violence, emotional abuse, isolation, and economic manipulation. The Power and Control Wheel visualises these patterns, showing eight categories of abuse:

1. Using Coercion and Threats
2. Using Intimidation
3. Using Emotional Abuse
4. Using Isolation
5. Minimising, Denying, and Blaming
6. Using Children
7. Using Male Privilege
8. Using Economic Abuse

The wheel has been a fundamental part of intervention programmes, shaping how practitioners understand and address IPV. However, the gendered language and focus on male-to-female violence in the original wheel do not fully capture the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, who may face additional layers of complexity in abusive relationships.

For reference, the official Power and Control Wheel can be viewed here.

Why Modify the Duluth Model for LGBTQ+ Relationships?

Research shows that IPV occurs in LGBTQ+ relationships at similar or even higher rates than in heterosexual relationships (Walters, Chen, & Breiding, 2013). However, the dynamics often differ significantly due to the role of minority stress, internalised homophobia, and systemic discrimination. This means that certain elements of the original Duluth Model need to be adapted to address factors such as:

1. Outing as a Form of Control
   Threatening to “out” a partner’s sexual orientation or gender identity to family, friends, or colleagues is a unique tactic used in LGBTQ+ abuse dynamics. This form of control can be devastating, especially for individuals who are not fully out or who may lose their support network if their identity is disclosed.
2. Misusing Identity as a Tool of Abuse
   Abusers may use their partner’s identity against them, such as questioning the validity of a transgender person’s gender identity or using homophobic or transphobic slurs. This tactic undermines the victim’s self-concept and erodes their sense of self.
3. Isolation through Community and Support Control
   LGBTQ+ individuals often rely on smaller and close-knit communities for support. Abusers may isolate their victims by spreading rumours within these communities or by controlling access to LGBTQ+ social spaces, effectively cutting off social and emotional support.
4. Exploiting Systemic Discrimination
   In some contexts, abusers may use the fear of systemic discrimination (e.g., lack of support from law enforcement or being discriminated against in shelters) to prevent victims from seeking help. This form of manipulation is unique to marginalised groups and requires targeted support.

Modifying the Power and Control Wheel for LGBTQ+ Contexts

To better reflect these unique dynamics, modified versions of the Power and Control Wheel have been developed for LGBTQ+ contexts. These adaptations include:

• Gendered Language Adjustments
  Removing language that assumes a male abuser and female victim to reflect diverse identities and relationship dynamics.
• Incorporating Identity Abuse
  Adding segments that include tactics like outing, identity invalidation, and using discrimination as a tool of control.
• Addressing Minority Stress and External Pressures
  Including categories that highlight how abusers manipulate societal stigma and prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals to maintain control.

Practical Implications for Therapy and Support

Therapists and support workers must be aware of these additional factors when working with LGBTQ+ clients. Using a one-size-fits-all approach can be harmful and invalidate the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ survivors. Instead, it is crucial to incorporate the following strategies:

1. Identity-affirming Language and Practice
   Ensure that therapeutic language and approaches affirm the client’s identity, using correct pronouns and being mindful of how language can reflect power dynamics.
2. Creating Inclusive Safety Plans
   Recognise that the resources and support systems available to LGBTQ+ individuals may differ from those in mainstream contexts. Collaborate with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to build safety plans that are tailored to the community.
3. Addressing Intersectional Factors
   Take into account other intersecting identities, such as race, disability, or immigration status, which can further complicate the dynamics of abuse and access to support.

Resources for Further Reading and Support

• The Duluth Model and Power and Control Wheel: The Duluth Model Website
• National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP): Provides resources and reports on LGBTQ+ IPV: www.avp.org
• GALOP (UK): LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity: www.galop.org.uk
• Love Is Respect (USA): Offers resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth: www.loveisrespect.org

Conclusion

The Duluth Model remains a valuable tool for understanding IPV, but adapting it to the context of LGBTQ+ relationships is essential for providing effective support and intervention. By modifying the Power and Control Wheel to include LGBTQ+-specific dynamics, practitioners can better address the complex and nuanced nature of abuse in these communities.