The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the intimate partner violence (IPV) related homicide of James Johnson in downtown Brooklyn, New York which occurred on the morning of April 9th, 2017. According to media reports, a 42-year-old-man, identified in the press as the victim’s boyfriend, has been arrested and charged with 41-year-old James Johnson’s homicide. The suspect has stated that he acted in self-defense.
“We are deeply saddened by the homicide of James Johnson and send our condolences to his friends and loved ones,” said Beverly Tillery, Executive Director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project. “While we still do not know exactly what happened in this case, as a society, we must make sure that we are actively working to address LGBTQ IPV before it escalates within LGBTQ relationships. We must also put a spotlight on the experiences of queer, gay, bisexual and transgender men who are often not given access to domestic violence and IPV services and whose realities as survivors are not factored into policy discussions.”
NCAVP’s report Intimate Partner Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV Affected Communities in 2015, released in October 2016, documented thirteen IPV homicides in 2015. Of the thirteen homicides, four of the victims were cisgender men, three of whom were killed by current or former male partners. Additionally, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gay and bisexual men experience intimate partner violence at similar if not higher rates as men who identify as heterosexual.
NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an anti-violence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org.
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.