The IPV/A Chronicles, Part One
I have made it my ongoing--and fervent--mission to continue to shine a bright light on a certain demoralizing, insidious and horrific cycle of behavior that continues to be a growing concern within the LGBTQ Community. This is Part One of an ongoing series that will address this potentially life-threatening cycle of abuse. So…just what is Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A)? Well, it ain’t some exotic [...]
Tancredo Buff: Shining the Light on IPV/A
Every October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DWAM). It evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). In recognition of DVAM, Wyattevans.com has been presenting a very special series of articles and features throughout this month. Within the LGBTQ community, domestic violence and abuse is referred to as Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A). This atrocious cycle of [...]
The Hushed Whispers of IPV/A
Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A) is a serious, potentially life-threatening—but preventable--public health problem that impacts millions of Americans. Specifically, IPV/A describes the physical, sexual, emotional and/or psychological harm perpetrated by a current or former partner or spouse who is LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning). This type of violence also can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples, and does not require [...]
The “FRENZY!” of IPV/A
Just what does the (possibly) a little odd, a tad exotic acronym “IPV/A” stand for? Well, it refers to Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse, which is generally known as domestic violence and abuse (DVA) within the LGBTQ community. Sadly and unfortunately, this demeaning and horrendous cycle of behavior is an ongoing serious societal issue. And more prevalent than was once believed. As a journalist, I've extensively researched and [...]
Peeling Back the Curtain On IPV/A
IPV/A, the acronym for Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse, is generally referred to as domestic violence and abuse (DVA) within the LGBTQ community. Sadly and unfortunately, this horrific behavior continues to be a critical issue. What makes matters worse is that stigma is a driving force that keeps this demeaning and demoralizing cycle of abuse “swept under the rug.” It’s the “elephant in the room.” This leads [...]
Making a “Great Escape” from an Abusive Relationship
I have ab-so-lute-ly outstanding news to share! The Advocate, the premier—and Number One--international on-line and print LGBTQ media outlet, has just published my commentary on Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A). In this important piece, I discuss my very own personal experience with IPV/A-- and how it has impacted me. Additionally, I reveal why—as both a journalist and author—I’ve [...]
Louder Than The Silence!
WESURVIVEABUSE.COM, the well-respected and go-to-it domestic violence and abuse online resource, has honored Yours Truly by featuring my brand new novel, “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart—FRENZY!” The overarching theme of “FRENZY!” is Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A),which is domestic violence and abuse within the LGBTQ Community. IPV/A--demoralizing and potentially life-threatening behavior--significantly impacts the LGBTQ Community. Tonya GJ [...]
Teens & IPV/A
Recently, I was contacted by Ms. Katie Fitzpatrick, features editor of the Torch, the official site of the Glenbrook North High School student-run newspaper, located in Northbrook, Illinois. Ms. Fitzpatrick had read my Advocate Op-Ed entitled, “Making a Great Escape from an Abusive Relationship,” and wanted to interview me for an article she was co-writing on teens in abusive [...]
Black & Blue (Is That You?)
Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse, or IPV/A, is no joke. Known as domestic violence and abuse within the LGBTQ community, IPV/A is a demoralizing, stigmatizing and potentially life-threatening cycle of behavior. And IPV/A is more prevalent than once was believed: one in four LGBTQ relationships/partnerships is abusive in some way. A recently-released study bears this out. Soon, I’ll [...]
Broken Bones, Broken Dreams—An Update
Cover photo by Don Gillard Towering over me and yelling at the top of his lungs, Antonio, my 6’4”, 280 pound muscled life partner, had me pinned against the wall--his huge, clammy left hand now grasping my neck! I couldn’t move. All the while, the following thoughts flashed in my head: “This can’t be happening! How can the man [...]
“The Comeback Kid”: How Your Abuser Wins You Back
So finally, you’ve managed to make your “Great Escape” from your abuser. (Great Escape is the term I’ve coined for my LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse workshops and seminars.) And after he/she fully absorbs that you’ve indeed found or reclaimed your backbone and guts, the counteroffensive begins in earnest with “plastic” pleas that include, “I really didn’t mean it,” [...]
The Myths of IPV/A
As a journalist and public/motivational speaker, one of my signature issues is Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A)--the term used for domestic violence and abuse within the LGBTQ community. Sadly and too often, this demoralizing, heinous and horrific behavior is “swept under the rug”--particularly when it involves gay/SGL (same-gender loving) men. The misguided belief that “Oh, you know…boys will [...]
“Will It Ever End???,” Part Two
“After years of being beaten and emotionally abused, I managed to gather the strength and courage to leave him. I thought that finally, I was in the clear! But how wrong I was… “He beat the crap out of one of my buddies--to find out where I was! And before you know it, he ‘popped up’ on me, and…” These [...]