[5] The CDC has stated that 43.8% of lesbian women reported experiencing physical violence, stalking, or rape by their partners.
[6] The Encyclopedia of Victimology and Crime Prevention states, "For several methodological reasons – nonrandom sampling procedures and self-selection factors, among others – it is not possible to assess the extent of same-sex domestic violence.
Due to forms of discrimination, homophobia, and heterosexism, and the belief that heterosexuality is normative within society, domestic violence has been characterized as being between the male perpetrator and the female victim.
Further, the fear of reinforcing negative stereotypes could lead some community members, activists, and victims to deny the extent of violence among lesbians.
[11] Victims of domestic violence in lesbian relationships are less likely to have the case prosecuted within existing legal systems.
[5] The forms of domestic violence in lesbian relationships include physical abuse, such as hitting, choking, using weapons, or restraining, often referred to as "battering"; emotional abuse, such as lying, neglecting, and degrading; intimidation threats, such as threats to harm the victim, their family, or their pets; sexual abuse, such as forcing sex or refusing safe sex; destruction of property, such as vandalizing the home and damaging furniture, clothing, or personal objects; economic, such as controlling the victim's money and forcing financial dependence.
This includes threatening to disclose someone's sexuality or relationship status to family, friends, and workplace as a form of control.
[14] Findings from studies have shown that slapping was the most commonly reported form of abuse, while beatings and assaults with weapons were less frequent.
The most frequent type included forced kissing, breast, and genital fondling, and oral, anal, or vaginal penetration.
[17] The stressors associated with this stigmatization can increase emotional distress in lesbians, including higher rates of depression and anxiety disorders.
[18] Sexual minorities, including lesbians, have higher rates of alcohol consumption which can factor into domestic violence.
The alienation and isolation imposed by internalized and external oppression may construct loss of control, and the need to reclaim it becomes the central concern for lesbians.
[22] However, if she remains in the closet, she is also denied control, subjected to continuous self-monitoring, and forced to deal with stress so that she could hide her identity and her intimate relationship from the eyes of others.
Without proper communication, improper management of time may lead to unhealthy discourse within a relationship, and partner equality remains difficult to maintain.
Low self-esteem and a negative self-image are qualities that characterize both perpetrators and victims of heterosexual domestic violence.
The jealousy and the possessiveness that are frequently linked to battering behavior are associated with problems of low self-esteem and negative self-concept.