Intimate Partner Violence in Same-Sex Couples

Intimate Partner Violence in Same-Sex Couples 

Kayla Teves

Domestic Violence: Same-Sex Couples Versus Straight Couples

Domestic Violence happens in same-sex couples at a similar rate as it does in heterosexual couples. The abuse is also similar in both cases, sharing common patterns and characteristics. In both settings, the abuser either physically, mentally, sexually, or emotionally abuses their partner (Center for American Progress, 2011). This creates a sense of fear, isolation, or guilt in the victims of both cases. It is also said that in both cases, the abusers are found to either have suffered from previous abuse themselves, or they have a history of mental illness (Center for American Progress, 2011). The difference in Same-Sex couples however, has to deal with the process of coming out. In these couples, we see the abuser threatening to “out” their partner to family, friends, or the work place. This creates even more of a sense of isolation because the victims fear losing others in life. It is also said that partners in these relationships are easily persuaded by their partners to stay quiet due to lacking experience. Abusers pray on the lack of experience by telling the victim that this is a normal relationship in the LGBT community, and it is seen highly in gay men (University of Michigan, 2009).

Challenges

The challenges that come along with addressing and treating this abuse is that most authorities and counselors lack the proper knowledge and services that it takes to work with same-sex couples. In most states, victims of same-sex domestic violence do not receive the same legal recognition and protection as heterosexual victims. The same can be said for shelters as well, where most accept little to no same-sex partners (Center for American Progress, 2011).

The Numbers

•  25-33% of same-sex relationships experience domestic violence (Center for American Progress, 2011). 
• 25% of heterosexual women experience domestic violence (Center for American Progress, 2011).  
• 3.4% of adults recognize themselves as a member of the LGBT community (LeTrent, 2013).
•  45% of LGBT victims were turned away from domestic violence shelters in 2012 (LeTrent, 2013).  
• 55% of LGBT domestic violence victims were denied protective orders in 2012 (LeTrent, 2013).
•  Domestic violence survey of women in 2010: 61% of bisexual women, 44% of lesbian women, and 35% of heterosexual women reported abuse (LeTrent, 2013).
• Domestic violence survey of men in 2010: 37% of bisexual men, 26% of gay men, and 29% of heterosexual men reported abuse (LeTrent, 2013). 

How Things Are Changing

The language of The Violence Against Women Act has just been changed this past month. It is now considered “LGBT-inclusive” (LeTrent, 2013). There have also been grants set aside specifically for LGBT partner violence services. There is also talk about domestic violence hotlines and how they are becoming more aware of the language they use. Most callers that are women are assumed to be victims of heterosexual abuse, but since that is not always the case hotline workers are trying to change their language to be more LGBT friendly (LeTrent, 2013).

Sources

Center for American Progress. (2011). Domestic Violence in the LGBT Community: A Fact Sheet. Retrieved from: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/lgbt/news/2011/06/14/9850/domestic-violence-in-the-lgbt-community/

University of Michigan. (2009). Same-Sex Abuse. Retrieved from: http://hr.umich.edu/stopabuse/about/same-sex.html 

LeTrent, Sarah. (2013). Violence Against Women Act shines a light on same-sex abuse. Retrieved from: http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/14/living/same-sex-domestic-violence-and-vawa