Practices Used in Health and Social Services for the Management of Mistreatment Situations towards Adults in a Context of Gender and Sexual Diversity: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Research indicates that adults in the context of gender and sexual diversity (GSD) experienced more violence and discrimination than the rest of the population. GSD refers to all the diversities of sexual characteristics, sexual orientations and gender identity of a person or a group. To encourage the use of evidence-based interventions in health and social services, it is important to extrapolate from the scientific literature how mistreatment situations are managed in this context. A scoping review was conducted using the approach of the Johanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. In total, 8 databases were searched for relevant studies published in English and in French. Screening according to inclusion criteria (titles, abstracts, and full texts) and data extraction were performed independently by two team members. Twelve studies were included in this scoping review and covered only three types of mistreatments: intimate partner violence, discrimination, and sexual assaults. Findings suggest a need for tools to better identify mistreatment situations in the context of GSD and additional studies to highlight effective interventions using adequate methodology. None of the studies reported data specifically about older adults or regarding key care events related to the management of mistreatment situations (reporting, needs assessment or investigation). Implications include addressing gaps in research and better educating care providers in health and social services in matters related to GSD, to ensure that they have a better understanding of the needs and realities of this population.