Domestic violence in same-sex relationships
[4][5][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.
[11][12] The CDC also stated that 43.8% of lesbian women reported experiencing physical violence, stalking, or rape by their partners.
The CDC reported that 61% of bisexual women said they experienced physical violence, stalking, or rape by their partners.
[17] Some are worried about being involved in the legal system because they are afraid they will be mistreated or dismissed due to their sexual orientation.
Some cities and states in the U.S. are working to improve the legal situation for LGBT victims of domestic violence, through policy change and police training.
[5][19] HIV/AIDS may create additional problems for those in violent relationships, financially, emotionally, and health wise, whether it is the perpetrator or the victim who is living with HIV or AIDS.
[20] Those living with HIV are often financially dependent on their partners, making it more difficult to leave abusive relationships.
There are many health related ways that HIV or AIDS can affect domestic violence in same-sex relationships.
[28] Another way homophobia plays a role in domestic violence is that people in same-sex relationships may feel that they have a duty to represent the LGBT community in a positive manner, and that if their relationship is abusive it is proof that homosexuality is inherently wrong, immoral, or otherwise flawed.
[18] As to internalized homophobia, victims may feel like they deserve it[29] or if they are the more "masculine" partner they may be the one blamed for the violence.
Internalized homophobia can also lead individuals to have low self esteem and feel shame about their sexual orientation.
A study from the journal Violence and Victims found that higher levels of internalized homophobia in gay men predicted an increased likelihood of perpetrating physical aggression.
[2] Gay men may feel that being battered is a threat to their masculinity, and thus are hesitant to report domestic violence.
[2][3][6][20] The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (AVP) is an organization which "works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within LGBTQ communities.
[4][32] CUAV is an organization based in San Francisco that has a broad mission of seeking to track anti-LGBT violence and offer support to those affected by it.
