Experiences of violent victimization and unwanted sexual behaviours among 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada, 2025

Specific manifestations of gender-based violence vary but commonly involve acts of violence directed toward someone based on their gender, gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender (Government of Canada, 2025). These acts include, but are not limited to, harassment, psychological or emotional abuse, physical and sexual assault, and homicide. Experiences and risks of violence are often rooted in structural inequality and exacerbated by power imbalances. They are further shaped by a combination of multiple characteristics such as sexual orientation, gender diversity, Indigenous identity, disability, and socioeconomic conditions (Government of Canada, 2022a). These intersecting factors may increase vulnerability to violence while also influencing police reporting practices and broader help-seeking behaviours.  

Research suggests that the population who is Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, or who uses other terms related to gender and sexual diversity (2SLGBTQ+)^Note  are more likely to experience violence and unwanted sexual behaviours than their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts (Jaffray, 2020). Indeed, available data indicate 2SLGBTQ+ people are at an increased risk of violent victimization, including elevated rates of sexual assault, hate crime and other forms of violence (Bender & Lauritsen, 2021; Hindes et al., 2026; Jaffray, 2020; Klein et al., 2022; Meyer & Flores, 2025; Truman et al., 2024). This heightened risk is often linked to homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia, targeting individuals perceived as not conforming to dominant norms around gender or sexuality (Davidson et al., 2024; Tessmer & Worthen, 2025). Such stigma and discrimination, alongside reduced access to protective resources and supports, may increase exposure to violence (Davidson et al., 2024). Negative experiences that may lead to worse outcomes among 2SLGBTQ+ people are commonly understood through a minority stress framework, which conceptualizes chronic stress arising from ongoing social stigma, discrimination, and victimization—as well as the internalization of negative societal attitudes—as a key pathway contributing to poorer physical and mental health outcomes among 2SLGBTQ+ populations (Flentje et al. 2022; Lick et al., 2013; Meyer, 2003).

In 2025, the second iteration of the Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces (SSPPS) was conducted. The SSPPS collects data on various forms of gender-based violence that can occur in public, in the workplace, at school, online and within intimate partner relationships. While some of the behaviours measured meet the criminal threshold, namely physical and sexual assaults, others do not. Regardless of whether the criminal threshold is met, experiencing any type of gender-based violence can have serious effects on the physical and mental well-being of victims. 

Using data from the 2025 SSPPS, this Juristat article provides insight on violent victimization and experiences of unwanted sexual behaviour among 2SLGBTQ+ individuals aged 15 and older, with a specific focus on LGB+ (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, or another sexual orientation that is not heterosexual)^Note  and gender diverse populations (i.e., transgender and non-binary people). Although LGB+ and gender diverse populations are not mutually exclusive, much of this analysis examines the two separately.

Previous analysis using 2018 SSPPS revealed violent victimization and experiences of unwanted sexual behaviours were more common among LGB+ and gender diverse populations (Jaffray, 2020). However, due to the relatively small size of the gender diverse population (i.e., 0.33% of the Canadian population aged 15 and older), the 2018 survey sample was not large enough to support disaggregated analysis of violence experienced among transgender men, transgender women and non-binary people. To address this limitation, the 2025 SSPPS included an oversample of gender diverse people. This article is Statistics Canada’s first in-depth analysis of violent victimization among the gender diverse population that presents disaggregated data on outcomes for transgender men, transgender women, and non-binary people, helping to address a key information gap about these populations.

Building off previous work, the analysis begins by presenting data on lifetime experiences of violent victimization (i.e., since age 15) before examining experiences of physical or sexual assault as well as unwanted sexual behaviours in public and online that occurred in the 12 months preceding the survey. The analysis concludes by examining the association between experiences of violent victimization and health indicators such as self-rated mental health and life satisfaction.

This Juristat article, along with the development and collection of the SSPPS, was funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada.

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Demographic profile of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada

According to the 2019 to 2021 Canadian Community Health Survey, the 2SLGBTQ+ population includes approximately 1.3 million people, representing about 4.4% of the population of Canada aged 15 years and older (Statistics Canada, 2024). Based on the 2025 SSPPS, the vast majority (96%) of the 2SLGBTQ+ population were LGB+ individuals and one in six (17%) were gender diverse.^Note 

Among the LGB+ population specifically, close to six in ten (58%) were women, 35% were men, and 7.2% were non-binary persons.^Note  Most LGB+ people (87%) were cisgender and 13% were gender diverse. Turning to the gender diverse population, nearly half (45%) were non-binary, 30% were transgender women, and one-quarter (25%) were transgender men. The majority (80%) of gender diverse people were LGB+, while 20% were heterosexual.^Note 

In terms of age, the 2SLGBTQ+ population was younger overall than the non-2SLGBTQ+ (i.e., heterosexual and cisgender) population (average age of 34 versus 48 years). It is possible that older people are less likely to report being 2SLGBTQ+ because of having lived a significant part of their life in a society that was less accepting of gender and sexual diversity. Indeed, heterosexual women (49 years) and men (47 years) were older, on average, than gay men (41 years), lesbian women^Note  (37 years), bisexual^Note  men (33 years) and bisexual women (30 years). Similarly, cisgender women (48 years) and men (46 years) were older, on average, than transgender women (40 years), transgender men (35 years) and non-binary people (31 years).

Given the younger age structure among the 2SLGBTQ+ population, age standardization was used to examine key data points to ensure that results are not confounded by age-related differences (see Data sources and methodology), as studies show that younger people are more likely to experience violent victimization (Cotter, 2021; Cotter & Burczycka, 2026; Jaffray, 2020).

Experiences of victimization among the 2SLGBTQ+ population in Canada

Prevalence of lifetime violent victimization higher among 2SLGBTQ+ than non-2SLGBTQ+ individuals—particularly among bisexual women and non-binary people

According to the 2025 SSPPS, excluding intimate partner violence, 65% of the 2SLGBTQ+ population experienced violent victimization (i.e., physical or sexual assault) at any point since age 15 compared with 38% of the non-2SLGBTQ+ population. Among LGB+ people, two-thirds (66%) experienced victimization during their lifetime, higher than their heterosexual peers (38%) (Table 1). More specifically, about half of LGB+ people had experienced physical assault (52%) or sexual assault (49%) at some point since age 15, higher than the prevalence found within the heterosexual population (31% and 21%, respectively).

Three-quarters (74%) of bisexual women had experienced violent victimization since age 15—highest among all sexual orientation groups. Lesbian women (59%) were also more likely than heterosexual women (42%) to have been victimized in their lifetime. Among men, similar proportions of gay (56%) and bisexual men (59%) had been victimized, but both were significantly higher than heterosexual men (35%). Age standardized results indicate that the differences between groups persisted after accounting for age.

Similarly, seven in ten (69%) gender diverse people experienced violent victimization since age 15, a larger share than their cisgender peers (40%) (Table 2).^Note  In particular, about six in ten (59%) gender diverse people had experienced physical assault and half (50%) experienced sexual assault at some point in their lifetime, higher than among the cisgender population (32% and 22%, respectively). Three quarters (76%) of non-binary people had experienced violent victimization—greater than transgender women (65%) and transgender men (63%). The prevalence was higher among all gender diverse groups than their cisgender counterparts and persisted after accounting for age.

While few studies differentiate experiences of violence between non-binary people, transgender men, and transgender women, research suggests that people who are visibly transgender or perceived as gender non-conforming are at a greater risk of harassment and victimization than those who are not visibly gender non-conforming (Tessmer & Worthen, 2025). While many transgender people socially "pass" (i.e. they are not visibly transgender), non-binary people, by definition, do not align with social expectations of a binarized gender system and may be more easily identifiable. As a result, non-binary people may be more at risk for experiencing misgendering and unique forms of discrimination, rejection, harassment and violence (Matsuno et al., 2024). Studies from the United States and Europe have found higher rates of different types of violent victimization among non-binary people (Evje et al., 2026; Harrison et al., 2012), and some research has found high rates of violent victimization among transgender women (Evje et al., 2026; Tessmer & Worthen, 2025). In the Canadian context, non-binary people experience greater economic precarity than other groups (Rauh et al., 2025), and these socioeconomic vulnerabilities may be related to violent victimization, either as a cause or consequence.

Violent victimization highest among those who are both LGB+ and gender diverse

As noted, the LGB+ and gender diverse populations are not mutually exclusive, as some individuals belong to both groups. This underscores the relevance of intersectionality, a framework that examines how multiple characteristics of individuals intersect to shape their experiences and outcomes (Crenshaw, 1991; Flores et al., 2023). Applied to violent victimization, an intersectional perspective recognizes that the combined influence of sexual orientation and gender identity may contribute to distinct patterns of risk, discrimination, and vulnerability. In support of this framework, experiences of violent victimization were highest at the intersection of LGB+ and gender diverse populations. That is, three-quarters (74%) of people who were both LGB+ and gender diverse had experienced violent victimization since age 15 (Table 3). Prevalence was relatively lower among the rest of the 2SLGBTQ+ population—that is, those who were both LGB+ and cisgender (64%) or among those who were both heterosexual and gender diverse (54%). Experiences of victimization were lowest among heterosexual and cisgender people (38%). After accounting for age, victimization remained highest among those who were both LGB+ and gender diverse.

Bisexual women and non-binary people most likely to experience sexual assault in their lifetime, even after accounting for age

Prior research on violent victimization in Canada has shown clear gender differences: women are more likely than men to be victims of sexual assault, while physical assault is more prevalent among men (Cotter & Burczycka, 2026). Similar to the general population, LGB+ women (57%) were more likely to experience sexual assault in their lifetime than LGB+ men (36%) (Table 1).

More specifically, in 2025, among the LGB+ population, the lifetime prevalence of sexual assault was highest among bisexual women (63%), followed by lesbian women (43%) (Table 1, Chart 1). In both cases, this was significantly higher than heterosexual women (33%). Gay (35%) and bisexual men (33%) were over three times as likely to have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime than heterosexual men (8.8%). These patterns persisted after accounting for age differences.

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Existing research points to greater prevalence of violent victimization—including sexual assault, physical assault and intimate partner violence—among bisexual women (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2025; Jaffray, 2020; Klein et al., 2022). Not only are bisexual women younger, on average, than their heterosexual counterparts, but scholars suggest this elevated risk stems from the social stigma bisexual people may experience from both heterosexual and gay and lesbian individuals, often leaving them without a sense of acceptance in either straight or gay social spaces (Feinstein & Dyar, 2017; Hayfield et al., 2014). As such, bisexual people—and bisexual women in particular—may be stereotyped more negatively than gay or lesbian individuals, including assumptions that they are inherently non-monogamous, sexually promiscuous or likely to “change” their sexual orientation (Davidson et al., 2024; Dyar et al., 2017; Hayfield et al., 2014). These stereotypes can reinforce the perceived acceptability of prejudicial and discriminatory behaviour towards bisexual people, increasing the risk of violence.

Among the gender diverse population, non-binary people (57%) were most likely to have experienced sexual assault since the age of 15, significantly more so than transgender men (48%) or transgender women (41%) (Table 2, Chart 2).^Note  The prevalence was higher for all gender diverse groups than cisgender women (35%) and men (9.8%). Given the disproportionate risks of violence experienced by bisexual people, it should be noted that nearly half (45%) of non-binary people were bisexual, signaling a substantial overlap between these populations. The higher prevalence of lifetime sexual assault among non-binary people persisted after taking age into account.

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A similar share of LGB+ men and women experience a physical assault at some point in their lifetime—higher than heterosexual counterparts

Among the general population, men are more likely to experience physical assault than women (Cotter & Burczycka, 2026). In contrast, among the LGB+ population, physical assault was experienced by a similar proportion of women (52%) and men (51%) at some point in their lifetime (Table 1). Likewise, a similar proportion of bisexual women (54%) and men (54%) had experienced this type of violence at least once since age 15, with comparable patterns found among gay men (46%) and lesbian women (45%) (Chart 1). These groups were also significantly more likely to experience a physical assault compared with heterosexual men (33%) and women (29%), a finding which held after accounting for age.

Non-binary people most likely to experience a physical assault in their lifetime; proportions similar among transgender men and women

Within the gender diverse population, non-binary people (64%) were most likely to experience physical assault at least once since age 15—higher than transgender women (56%) or transgender men (52%) (Table 2, Chart 2). The prevalence of physical assault was higher among all gender diverse groups than cisgender men (34%) and women (31%). After taking age into account, the higher prevalence among non-binary people persisted.

Among 2SLGBTQ+ people, physical and sexual assault more commonly experienced by Indigenous people and those with a disability

Existing Canadian research shows that experiences of violence are not evenly distributed across the population (Cotter & Burczycka, 2026; Cotter, 2021). Indigenous people (First Nations people, Métis and Inuit), women and girls, youth, 2SLGBTQ+ people, individuals with disabilities or mental health-related conditions, and those experiencing housing instability face disproportionately higher risks of violence, reflecting broader patterns of social and structural inequality (Cotter & Burczycka, 2026; Cotter, 2021; Perreault, 2022; Statistics Canada, 2022). In some cases, factors associated with elevated risk—such as disability, mental health-related conditions and housing instability—may also arise as consequences of violence, highlighting the complex and reciprocal relationship between victimization and social vulnerability.

According to the 2025 SSPPS, among LGB+ people, the lifetime prevalence of physical assault varied by demographic characteristics (Table 4). For example, LGB+ individuals who were Indigenous (69%) experienced higher prevalence of physical assault than their non-Indigenous counterparts (50%). Likewise, lifetime experiences of physical assault were more prevalent among LGB+ people who self-identified as a person with a disability^Note  (66%) relative to those who did not (44%). Among the LGB+ population—and similar to broader patterns in Canada (Cotter & Burczycka, 2026)—racialized people (42%) and those born outside of Canada (46%) were less likely to indicate that they experienced physical assault in their lifetime than their non-racialized (53%) and Canadian-born (53%) counterparts.

Similarly, for gender diverse people, the prevalence of violent victimization varied by demographic characteristics (Table 5). For example, physical and sexual assault since age 15 was higher among gender diverse Indigenous people (71% and 58%, respectively) than their non-Indigenous counterparts (57% and 49%, respectively). Physical and sexual assault since age 15 was also higher among gender diverse individuals who self-identified as a person with a disability (67% and 56%, respectively) than those who did not (51% and 44%, respectively).

Experiences of physical and sexual assault in the past 12 months

Frequency of violent victimization higher among LGB+ and gender diverse people

In the 12 months prior to the survey, LGB+ people were three times as likely to experience violent victimization (i.e., physical or sexual assault) compared with their heterosexual counterparts (12% versus 3.6%). Additionally, LGB+ people were also more likely to experience multiple incidents of violence over the 12-month period relative to their heterosexual peers (60% versus 51%). This finding, however, was highly gendered. LGB+ women (62%) were more likely to experience multiple incidents of violent victimization, compared with heterosexual women (54%). Meanwhile, among men, there were no statistically significant difference between LGB+ men and heterosexual men who experienced multiple incidents of victimization. 

Likewise, gender diverse individuals were over three times as likely as cisgender people to experience violent victimization in the 12 months prior to the survey (15% versus 4.1%). Among those who experienced violent victimization, gender diverse people were also more likely to experience multiple incidents of violence (63% versus 52%) than cisgender people.

LGB+ people three times as likely as heterosexual individuals to experience physical assault in previous 12 months; five times as likely to experience sexual assault

Overall, in 2025, LGB+ people were nearly three times as likely as heterosexual people to experience a physical assault in the 12 months prior (7.9% versus 2.8%) (Table 1). In addition, LGB+ people were more likely than heterosexual individuals to experience the different types of physical assault captured in the survey (Chart 3). For LGB+ women specifically, experiences of physical assault were four times higher among bisexual (7.9%) and lesbian women (8.3%) than heterosexual women (2.0%). Physical assault in the last 12 months was also higher among bisexual men (9.6%) than heterosexual men (3.5%), with no statistically significant difference between gay (5.4%) and heterosexual men (3.5%). When taking age into account, the prevalence decreased among LGB+ groups yet remained higher than their heterosexual counterparts.

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LGB+ people (6.4%) were more than five times as likely as heterosexual people (1.2%) to have experienced a sexual assault in the previous 12 months (Table 1, Chart 3). In particular, bisexual women (8.1%) were twice as likely as lesbian women (3.5%) and four times as likely as heterosexual women (1.9%) to have experienced sexual assault. Among men, a similar share of gay (5.3%) and bisexual men (5.1%) experienced sexual assault in the previous 12 months—nine times that of heterosexual men (0.6%). After taking age into account, these differences diminished, however, the prevalence of sexual assault remained higher for bisexual women than heterosexual women, as it did for gay and bisexual men compared with heterosexual men.

Gender diverse people four times as likely as cisgender people to experience physical or sexual assault in previous 12 months

Gender diverse individuals were nearly four times as likely as cisgender people to experience a physical assault in the previous year (11% versus 3.1%) and were more likely to experience the different types of physical assault captured in the survey (Table 2, Chart 4).

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The proportions of transgender men (13%), non-binary people (12%) and transgender women (8.7%) who were physically assaulted in the past 12 months were statistically similar—however, all were higher than cisgender men (3.6%) and women (2.5%). After taking age into account, the prevalence decreased for some gender diverse groups yet remained significantly higher than cisgender people.

Similar to physical assault findings, gender diverse people were four times as likely as cisgender people to have experienced sexual assault in the past 12 months (6.5% versus 1.6%) (Table 2, Chart 4). The prevalence of sexual assault was similar between non-binary people (7.0%), transgender women (6.3%) and transgender men (5.9%)—each were higher than cisgender women (2.3%) and men (0.8%).^Note  After accounting for age, the prevalence of sexual assault remained higher for transgender women and non-binary people than cisgender women and men.^Note 

LGB+ individuals more likely to experience victimization at a private location, by someone they know

People may experience multiple incidents of physical or sexual assault within a one-year period. The information presented here reflects the incident respondents deemed as being the most serious (i.e., the one that affected them the most).^Note  As a result, data reflect these most serious incidents and do not capture characteristics of other physical or sexual assaults that may have been experienced by respondents in the 12 months preceding the survey.

Among those who experienced a non-intimate partner physical assault in the previous 12 months, 2SLGBTQ+ people were more likely than their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts to indicate the most serious incident occurred in a private residence (38% versus 29%) (Table 6). In particular, LGB+ individuals were more likely to be physically assaulted in a private residence compared with their heterosexual peers (38% versus 29%). There were no statistically significant differences in the location of physical assault for gender diverse people relative to cisgender people. However, a higher share of gender diverse people were sexually assaulted in the street or other public place, relative to cisgender people (23% versus 13%).

In terms of the relationship of the perpetrator to the victim, and aligned with the increased likelihood of violence occurring in a private residence, physical assault incidents against LGB+ people were more likely to involve someone known to them (61% versus 52%) and less likely to involve a stranger (37% versus 46%), compared with their heterosexual counterparts.^Note  For sexual assault, three-quarters (74%) of 2SLGBTQ+ people were victimized by someone they knew, mirroring what was found for non-2SLGBTQ+ people (73%).

Among 2SLGBTQ+ and non-2SLGBTQ+ people alike, most victims stated that their perpetrator or perpetrators were all or mostly men (Table 6). That said, LGB+ individuals were more likely than heterosexual people to indicate that a woman or women was responsible for the physical assault (18% versus 12%).^Note  Gender diverse people were less likely to be physically (68%) or sexually assaulted (66%) by a man or men in the previous 12 months than cisgender people (76% and 79%, respectively).

Physical assaults against 2SLGBTQ+ people less likely to come to the attention of the police

Decisions about whether to report violent incidents to police are often complex. Some individuals may perceive an incident as too minor or not serious enough to report, while others may face barriers that discourage engagement with the criminal justice system, including fear of not being believed, concerns about stigma or discrimination, previous negative experiences with police, or mistrust of institutions (Government of Canada, 2022b; Johnson, 2017; Lorenz et al., 2021). These barriers may be further intensified among the 2SLGBTQ+ population, which historically, experienced criminalization and discriminatory policing (Prime Minister of Canada, 2017; RCMP, 2026). Although laws in Canada have changed substantially, research suggests that lingering mistrust of police and institutions, fears of homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic treatment, being misgendered or outed, and a lack of 2SLGBTQ+-affirming and culturally competent health, social, and victim support services may further reduce the likelihood of reporting victimization to police (Erentzen & Schuller, 2020; Perry & Ginsley, 2022).

Lending support to prior research, 2025 SSPPS data show that physical assaults against 2SLGBTQ+ people were less likely to come to the attention of the police,^Note  compared with non-2SLGBTQ+ individuals (22% versus 29%) (Table 6). However, 2SLGBTQ+ people were more likely to contact or use any services for help than was the case for non-2SLGBTQ+ individuals (20% versus 13%).^Note  For sexual assaults, there was no statistically significant difference in police reporting practices between 2SLGBTQ+ and non-2SLGBTQ+ people, although they were more likely to contact or use any services for help than their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts (22% versus 14%). 

2SLGBTQ+ people more likely to experience negative impacts following violent victimization

Alongside the harm experienced during the actual violent incident, many victims experience secondary victimization due to negative interactions with the criminal justice system, friends and family, or society more broadly (OFOVC, 2024). A common form of this is victim-blaming, where responsibility for the violence is shifted onto the victim. This may involve scrutinizing a victim’s behaviour or appearance in ways that imply they contributed to their own victimization, rather than placing responsibility on the perpetrator.

According to the 2025 SSPPS, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals were more likely than their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts to indicate that someone made them feel as though they were responsible or to blame for the physical assault incident (36% versus 23%) as well as the sexual assault incident (40% versus 27%) that they experienced (Table 6).

Not only were 2SLGBTQ+ people more likely to feel blamed for their own victimization, one-third (33%) had also reported experiencing three or more longer-term emotional impacts consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)^Note  following the physical assault incident, higher than what was reported by their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts (19%). The same was found for sexual assault incidents—37% of 2SLGBTQ+ people experienced longer-term emotional impacts, compared with 23% of their non-2SLGBTQ+ peers. 

Impacts can also be measured in terms of behavioural changes following the incident, which were disproportionately seen among the 2SLGBTQ+ population. In particular, as a result of the physical assault, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals were more likely than their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts to report carrying something to defend themselves or alert others (29% versus 16%), to become withdrawn from social events or activities they typically enjoy (37% versus 25%) and to stay home in order to avoid similar experiences (35% versus 26%). Likewise, 2SLGBTQ+ people who were sexually assaulted were more likely to avoid certain places (53%) or stay home to avoid similar experiences (46%) relative to their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts (39% and 35%, respectively).^Note 

Experiences of unwanted sexual behaviours in public, at work and at school in the past 12 months

In addition to the criminal forms of gender-based violence captured by the SSPPS, the survey also asked about experiences of unwanted sexual behaviours within three distinct settings: in public, at work, and at school.^Note  While such experiences may not always amount to criminal offences, they can nonetheless erode quality of life, constrain how individuals engage with others and their communities, and affect their sense of safety.

Specifically, the 2025 SSPPS collected information on the following eight unwanted behaviours occurring in each setting: being subjected to inappropriate sexual jokes; unwanted sexual attention; unwanted physical contact; indecent exposure; or suggestions that they do not act like how a man or woman is supposed to act. Respondents were also asked if they were insulted, mistreated, ignored, or excluded because they are a man or a woman; because they are, or are assumed to be, transgender; or because of their actual or assumed sexual orientation.

This analysis focuses on experiences in the past 12 months when in public places (i.e., anywhere people can access with little or no restriction, such as coffee shops, the street, shopping malls, public transportation, bars, or restaurants), at work, and in school settings. For readability, the term “unwanted behaviours” will be used throughout this section to refer collectively to unwanted sexual behaviours experienced in public spaces, workplaces, and schools, unless otherwise specified.

2SLGBTQ+ people three times as likely as non-2SLGBTQ+ people to experience unwanted behaviours in public

Like other forms of gender-based violence presented in this article, in 2025, 2SLGBTQ+ people were more than three times as likely as their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts to have experienced unwanted behaviours in the year prior (52% versus 16%). Specifically, this was the case for more than half (53%) of LGB+ people and six in ten (61%) gender diverse people (Table 7, Table 8).

As was the case for physical and sexual assault, experiences of unwanted behaviours varied among people with intersecting characteristics: seven in ten (71%) people who were both LGB+ and gender diverse had experienced such behaviours in the past 12 months (Table 3). Prevalence was lower among the rest of the 2SLGBTQ+ population, and lowest overall among heterosexual and cisgender people (16%). These patterns held after taking age into account.

Both LGB+ women (61%) and LGB+ men (41%) were more likely to experience unwanted behaviours than their heterosexual counterparts (23% and 10%, respectively). Specifically, lesbian (53%) and bisexual women (64%) experienced higher prevalence of unwanted behaviours than gay (38%) and bisexual (42%) men. After taking age into account, prevalence remained highest for lesbian and bisexual women.

Among the gender diverse population, a higher share of non-binary people (72%) experienced unwanted behaviours than transgender men (56%) and transgender women (50%).^Note  All gender diverse groups were more likely to experience unwanted behaviors than cisgender people, a pattern which held after accounting for age.

Almost one in five LGB+ individuals were insulted, mistreated, ignored, or excluded because of their actual or assumed sexual orientation

In 2025, LGB+ people were more likely to have experienced each of the eight unwanted behaviours measured by the survey (Table 7). Almost one-fifth (18%) of LGB+ people indicated that they were insulted, mistreated, ignored, or excluded in the previous year because of their actual or assumed sexual orientation. While LGB+ women were generally more likely to experience unwanted behaviours than LGB+ men, here the opposite was true. A larger share of LGB+ men (20%) than women (17%) reported experiencing discrimination based on their sexual orientation.

While sexual orientation is a different concept than gender diversity, the two may overlap when it comes to lived experiences. Some cisgender LGB+ people may also be victims of transphobia based on others’ perceptions of their gender identity or expression. Indeed, one in ten (9.0%) LGB+ individuals were insulted, mistreated, ignored, or excluded because they were, or were assumed to be, transgender. Further, one quarter (26%) of LGB+ people encountered suggestions that they don't act like a man or woman is supposed to act—more than five times higher (4.6%) than heterosexual people.

Nearly one-quarter (22%) of LGB+ individuals were insulted, mistreated, ignored, or excluded because they are a man or woman—over three times higher than their heterosexual counterparts (6.1%). Like the heterosexual population, a greater proportion of LGB+ women (29%) experienced this type of discrimination than LGB+ men (10%).

Alongside the discriminatory experiences outlined above, LGB+ individuals were four times as likely as heterosexual people to experience unwanted physical contact (23% versus 5.7%). They were also three times as likely as heterosexual people to experience unwanted sexual attention (30% versus 7.8%), inappropriate sexual jokes (28% versus 8.0%), and indecent exposure (6.7% versus 1.9%). Among the LGB+ population, a higher share of women had these experiences than men, mirroring the pattern seen among the heterosexual population.

Almost two in five gender diverse people were insulted, mistreated, ignored, or excluded because they were, or were assumed to be, transgender

Gender diverse people were more likely than cisgender people to experience each of the eight unwanted behaviours measured by the survey (Table 8). Nearly two in five (37%) gender diverse people were insulted, mistreated, ignored, or excluded because they were, or were assumed to, be transgender.^Note  Similarly, gender diverse people were more likely than cisgender people to encounter suggestions that they don't act like a man or woman is supposed to act (37% versus 5.8%). Nearly one quarter (23%) of gender diverse people were insulted, mistreated, ignored, or excluded because they are a man or woman—three times higher than cisgender people (7.1%).

Sexual orientation and gender diversity often overlap in peoples lived experiences. Gender diverse people may experience differential treatment based on their sexual orientation or others’ perceptions of their sexual orientation. Almost three in ten (28%) gender diverse people were insulted, mistreated, ignored, or excluded because of their actual or assumed sexual orientation.

Gender diverse people were also three times as likely as cisgender people to experience unwanted sexual attention (31% versus 9.2%), inappropriate sexual jokes (27% versus 9.2%), unwanted physical contact (25% versus 6.8%), and indecent exposure (7.0% versus 2.2%). Repeated experiences of unwanted attention, comments, or physical contact can convey that one's gender identity or expression is subject to scrutiny or objectification. Such experiences have been associated with poorer mental health, heightened internalized stigma, and reduced well-being among gender diverse people (Cascalheira & Choi, 2023; Kimber et al., 2024).

Among 2SLGBTQ+ population, experiencing unwanted behaviours more common among youth, Indigenous people and those with a disability, less so among immigrants and racialized people

Among 2SLGBTQ+ people, unwanted behaviours in public, at work and at school were most commonly experienced at least once in the previous year by certain demographics: youth aged 15 to 24 (63%), Indigenous people (61%) and those who self-identified as having a disability (61%). In contrast, among the 2SLGBTQ+ population, a lower share of racialized people (42%) indicated they experienced unwanted behaviours than non-racialized (54%) individuals. Similarly, this was the case for a lower proportion of 2SLGBTQ+ people born outside of Canada (41%) than their Canadian-born counterparts (55%). There is considerable overlap among the racialized and immigrant populations and findings varied among racialized people depending on place of birth. Among racialized 2SLGBTQ+ people, Canadian-born individuals (57%) were more likely to indicate that they had experienced unwanted behaviours than those not born in Canada (35%). The same general patterns were observed when disaggregated for the LGB+ and gender diverse populations separately.

Experiences of unwanted behaviours online in past 12 months

Technology-facilitated violence (e.g., online harassment, cyberstalking, and non-consensual sharing of intimate or explicit images) is another dimension of gender-based violence.^Note  Research suggests that anti-2SGLBTQ+ sentiment often occurs through digital platforms, where individuals—especially transgender people—may be subjected to hate messages, threats, disinformation campaigns and other forms of identity-based abuse (Egale, 2025). Likewise, cyberbullying is more prevalent among transgender, non-binary and LGB+ adolescents than their cisgender and heterosexual peers and is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and attempts (Egale, 2025; Kingsbury & Arim, 2023). As digital spaces become more embedded in daily life, they become another avenue through which 2SLGBTQ+ people may experience harm.

The 2025 SSPPS asked respondents whether they experienced unwanted behaviours online — either through text message, on a social media site, or another Internet-based platform. Specifically, respondents were asked whether someone posted or threatened to post intimate images of them without their consent; if they had been pressured to share suggestive or explicit images or messages; or had received suggestive or explicit images or messages they did not want to receive. Additionally, the survey asked whether respondents had received threatening or aggressive emails, social media messages, or text messages, either as the only recipient; or through group messages or postings on social media.^Note 

LGB+ individuals three times as likely as heterosexual people to experience unwanted behaviours online

Similar to findings on in-person experiences, 2SLGBTQ+ people were more likely than their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts to have experienced unwanted behaviours online in the past 12 months. When examining intersecting sexual orientation and gender diversity characteristics, these experiences were highest among those who were both LGB+ and gender diverse (39%) (Table 3). LGB+ people were more likely than their heterosexual peers (27% versus 9.1%) to have experienced unwanted behaviours online (Table 7). This finding persisted after accounting for age.

LGB+ individuals were also more likely than their heterosexual peers to experience each of the unwanted behaviours online. Among the LGB+ population, women were more likely than men to personally receive threatening emails, social media messages, or text messages (14% versus 11%), be pressured to send, share or post sexually suggestive images or messages (8.7% versus 5.6%) and more likely to receive sexually suggestive images or messages they did not want to receive (19% versus 14%).

Gender diverse individuals over three times as likely as cisgender people to experience unwanted behaviours online

In 2025, gender diverse individuals were over three times as likely to experience unwanted behaviours online than cisgender people in the previous 12 months (34% versus 10%) (Table 8). This overarching pattern remained after adjusting for age. Among the gender diverse population, a larger share of non-binary people (37%) experienced unwanted sexual behaviours online than transgender men (29%). There was no statistically significant difference between the proportion of transgender women (32%) who had experienced unwanted sexual behaviours online compared with transgender men and non-binary people.

For each of the online behaviours measured, proportions were higher among gender diverse people than their cisgender counterparts. Gender diverse people were more likely than cisgender people to receive threatening or aggressive emails, social media messages, or text messages personally (17% versus 5.5%) or to a group or post on social media (13% versus 3.0%). Gender diverse people were also more likely than cisgender people to have someone post or distribute, or threaten to post or distribute, intimate or sexually explicit images of them without consent (2.6% versus 1.5%), to be pressured to send, share, or post sexually suggestive or explicit images or messages (9.1% versus 1.6%),^Note  or to receive sexually suggestive images or messages when they did not want to receive them (20% versus 4.8%).

Among 2SLGBTQ+ population, experiencing unwanted behaviours online more common among Indigenous people and those with a disability, less so among those born outside of Canada

Like experiences of violent victimization and unwanted behaviours in public, experiencing unwanted behaviours online occurred more often among certain demographic groups within the 2SLGBTQ+ population. Among 2SLGBTQ+ people, experiences of unwanted behaviours online in the previous year were most common among Indigenous people (41%) and those who self-identified as having a disability (36%). In contrast, 2SLGBTQ+ people born outside of Canada (20%) were less likely to experience unwanted behaviours than their Canadian-born (28%) counterparts.^Note  Experiencing unwanted behaviours online were more common among younger age groups within the 2SLGBTQ+ population, than those aged 45 to 54 and those aged 55 and older.

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Mental health and life satisfaction among the 2SLGBTQ+ population

Violent victimization associated with lower life satisfaction and poorer mental health among 2SLGBTQ+ people relative to non-2SLGBTQ+ individuals

The impacts of violent victimization often extend well beyond the immediate incident. Victimization can have lasting effects on psychological well-being, contribute to chronic health issues, and shape overall quality of life, making these measures critical for understanding the full scope and persistence of harm.

2SLGBTQ+ people often experience poorer physical and mental health, which has been attributed to greater exposure to minority stress, including actual or anticipated experiences of discrimination or victimization, concealment of 2SLGBTQ+ status and the internalization of negative societal attitudes (Flentje et al., 2022; Lick et al., 2013; Meyer, 2003). Indeed, results from the 2025 SSPPS show that gender diverse and LGB+ people overall were less likely than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts to be highly satisfied with their lives, and more likely to rate their mental health as fair or poor, regardless of whether they had been victimized.

That said, experiences of violence can have an impact on mental health and well-being. Among those who experienced physical or sexual assault in the previous 12 months, one-fifth (21%) of LGB+ people were highly satisfied with their lives, compared with more than one-third (36%) of heterosexual people (Table 9). Life satisfaction was lower among gender diverse victims of violence, as they were half as likely to report high life satisfaction, relative to their cisgender counterparts (14% versus 33%) (Table 10).

In terms of mental health among those who had experienced a physical or sexual assault in the past 12 months, two-thirds (67%) of LGB+ people indicated their mental health was fair or poor compared with 37% of heterosexual people (Table 9). Mental health outcomes were worse among the gender diverse population, where nearly three-quarters (73%) of those who had been assaulted indicated their mental health was fair or poor, compared with 42% of cisgender people (Table 10).

It should be noted that these analyses are based on cross-sectional survey data and cannot determine a causal relationship. Respondents rated their mental health and life satisfaction at the time of the survey, while victimization was measured based on experiences during the previous 12 months. As a result, the findings describe current well-being relative to previous violent victimization, but cannot determine whether victimization contributed to poorer well-being, whether pre-existing mental health challenges increased vulnerability to victimization, or whether both are influenced by other underlying factors.

Summary

The 2025 SSPPS provides the latest data on the prevalence and nature of gender-based violence in Canada, allowing for an examination of violence experienced by 2SLGBTQ+ people aged 15 and older, disaggregated by sexual orientation and gender diversity. Alongside disaggregated data on the LGB+ population, this Juristat presented findings specific to transgender men, transgender women, and non-binary people, helping to address a longstanding gap in national data on the experiences of gender diverse people.

According to the 2025 SSPPS, nearly two-thirds of 2SLGBTQ+ people experienced violent victimization (i.e., physical or sexual assault) since the age of 15, higher than their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts. When examining intersecting characteristics, experiences of violence and unwanted sexual behaviours were highest among people who are both LGB+ and gender diverse. These findings held when examining LGB+ and gender diverse populations separately, and after accounting for the younger age structure of the 2SLGBTQ+ population. Indeed, LGB+ and gender diverse people were more likely to experience all forms of violent victimization at any point since age 15 and at least once in the 12 months prior to the survey compared with their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.

Among the LGB+ population, lesbian women, gay men, and bisexual women and men all experienced a higher prevalence of violent victimization since the age of 15 than heterosexual women and men. Likewise, for gender diverse people, prevalence was higher among transgender men, transgender women, and non-binary people than cisgender women and men.

Experiences of violent victimization vary among different segments of the 2SLGBTQ+ population. Among 2SLGBTQ+ people who experienced a physical or sexual assault at some point in their lifetime, prevalence was highest among Indigenous people, and those who self-identified as having a disability. Moreover, violent victimization in the past 12 months was notably higher among LGB+ and gender diverse people who had ever been homeless, compared with their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.

The impacts of violent victimization can persist long after the incident itself. Among people in Canada who experienced a physical or sexual assault in the 12 months prior to the 2025 SSPPS, 2SLGBTQ+ people were more likely than their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts to develop three or more longer-term emotional impacts consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder. 2SLGBTQ+ individuals were also more likely than non-2SLGBTQ+ people to indicate being made to feel blamed or responsible for the violence and were more likely to change some of their behaviours because of the violent incident. More generally, among people who experienced victimization in the past 12 months, 2SLGBTQ+ people were more likely to have poorer mental health and less life satisfaction compared with their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts.

Alongside capturing forms of violence that meet the criminal threshold, the 2025 SSPPS also measured peoples’ experiences of unwanted sexual behaviours in public, at work, at school and online in the past 12 months. Like other patterns, LGB+ and gender diverse people were more likely to experience unwanted behaviours in public and online than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. A sizable proportion had experienced mistreatment based on others’ perceptions of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The 2025 SSPPS enabled more in-depth analysis of experiences of violent victimization and unwanted behaviours among LGB+ and gender-diverse populations than what is typically possible in household surveys, where sample size limitations often constrain disaggregated analysis. While the results presented in this article identify clear patterns of victimization across the 2SLGBTQ+ population, they do not explain why particular groups experience elevated risk, nor whether these experiences function as causes or consequences of broader social and economic factors. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these findings.

Detailed data tables

Table 1 Experiences of violent victimization since age 15 and in the past 12 months, by type of victimization, sexual orientation and gender of the victim, Canada, 2025

Table 2 Experiences of violent victimization since age 15 and in the past 12 months, by type of victimization and gender diversity status of the victim, Canada, 2025

Table 3 Experiences of violent victimization, by type of victimization and intersection of gender diversity and sexual orientation of the victim, Canada, 2025

Table 4 Experiences of violent victimization and unwanted behaviours among the LGB+ population, by type of victimization and selected characteristics of the victim, Canada, 2025

Table 5 Experiences of violent victimization and unwanted behaviours among the gender diverse population, by type of victimization and selected characteristics of the victim, Canada, 2025

Table 6 Violent victimization in the past 12 months, by 2SLGBTQ+ status, type of victimization and selected characteristics of most serious incident, Canada, 2025

Table 7 Experiences of unwanted behaviours in public and online, by type of behaviour, sexual orientation and gender of the victim, Canada, 2025

Table 8 Experiences of unwanted behaviours in public and online, by type of behaviour and gender diversity status of the victim, Canada, 2025

Table 9 Self-rated mental health and life satisfaction, by experiences of violent victimization in past 12 months, sexual orientation and gender of the victim, Canada, 2025

Table 10 Self-rated mental health and life satisfaction, by experiences of violent victimization in past 12 months and gender diversity status of the victim, Canada, 2025

Data sources and methodology

In 2024-2025, Statistics Canada conducted the second cycle of the Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces (SSPPS). The SSPPS was previously collected in 2018. The purpose of the survey is to collect information on Canadians’ experiences in public, at work, online, and in their intimate partner relationships.

The target population for the SSPPS included all persons 15 years of age and older in Canada, excluding full-time residents of institutions and residents of First Nations reserves. The 2025 SSPPS is a sample survey with a cross-sectional design. The survey in the provinces also now uses a targeted respondent approach, meaning a sample of persons is directly selected from the survey frame. The survey frame for the SSPPS in the territories is an area frame of dwellings constructed for the Labour Force Survey (LFS). The sample of selected dwellings was sent to the field for collection. Upon contact with a resident of the selected dwelling, one household member 15 years of age and older was randomly selected to complete the SSPPS questionnaire.

In the provinces, data collection took place from October 2024 to June 2025 inclusively. Responses were obtained by self-administered online questionnaire or by interviewer-administered telephone questionnaire. Respondents were able to respond in the official language of their choice. The final sample size for the 10 provinces was 46,511 respondents. The response rate in the provinces was 32.3%, down from 43.1% in 2018.

In the territories, data collection took place from January to July 2025 inclusively. Responses were obtained by self-administered online questionnaire or by interviewer-administered in-person questionnaire. Respondents were able to respond in the official language of their choice. The final sample size for the 3 territories was 2,036 respondents. The response rate in the territories was 53.1%, down from 73.2% in 2018.

Non-respondents included people who refused to participate, could not be reached, or could not speak English or French. Respondents in the sample were weighted so that their responses represent the non-institutionalized, off-reserve Canadian population aged 15 and older.

Sampling and age standardization

Following consultations and based on findings using the data from 2018 SSPPS, the overall sample size in 2025 was increased, including oversampling of Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), gender diverse people (i.e., non-binary, transgender women and transgender men) and youth (aged 15 to 24). This oversampling enabled increased disaggregation and intersectional analysis of these key populations.

Age-standardized rates were calculated to account for the younger age structure of the 2SLGBTQ+ population, compared with the heterosexual and cisgender populations. The age structure of a population refers to the proportion of people in predetermined age groups. To calculate age-standardized rates, populations of interest are mathematically adjusted to have the same age structure as a different population, called the standard population. In this article, heterosexual people, heterosexual men, cisgender people, or cisgender men served as the standard population, depending on the analysis. Age-adjusted estimates reflect what the estimate would be if the group under study had the same age distribution as the relevant standard population.

Data limitations

As with any household survey, there are some data limitations. The results are based on a sample and are therefore subject to sampling errors. Somewhat different results might have been obtained if the entire population had been surveyed.

For the quality of estimates, the lower and upper bounds of the confidence intervals are presented. Confidence intervals should be interpreted as follows: If the survey were repeated many times, then 95% of the time (or 19 times out of 20), the confidence interval would cover the true population value.

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