Trans* People Experiencing Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence: Insights from Professionals Within Portugal’s National Support Network

Background/Objectives: Despite legal progress and achievements regarding trans* rights in Portugal over recent decades, trans* individuals still face high levels of vio-lence and discrimination, especially within family and intimate relationships. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of professionals working in the domestic violence field with the trans* population and service provi-sion within the National Support Network for Victims of Domestic Violence (RNAVVD). Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight partici-pants, including psychologists, social workers, and program directors from organiza-tions supporting domestic violence victims in Portugal. Data were analyzed using Codebook Thematic Analysis to identify themes, resulting in two main themes: 1) Ex-periences in Working with Victimized Trans* Individuals; and 2) Framework of Por-tugal’s National Support Network. Results: The results showed that trans* individuals face significant vulnerabilities due to family and intimate partner violence, systemic discrimination, and inequalities in essential services. Young trans* individuals are seen as being particularly at risk due to the impacts of violence and lack of family support on their autonomy, and additional barriers to entering the labor market. Participants also identified barriers faced by this population when trying to access victim support services (e.g., lack of specialized training and low availability of specialized and cul-turally competent services), while highlighting efforts by LGBTQIA+ services to meet their psychosocial needs. Conclusions: In conclusion, public institutions must address the specific needs of trans* individuals by developing policies and services that adopt a cross-sectoral, intersectional approach across society.