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Same-Sex Battering Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered
What we know about Same-Sex Relationship
violence is limited, because few studies have been completed. There
is some evidence that battering occurs in Lesbian and Gay domestic partnerships at approximately the same rate as in heterosexual relationships. However, what is clear is that Domestic Violence is about an Abuser's power and control over a Victim.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
Same-Sex Battering - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered:
What are the Similarities Between Heterosexual Domestic Violence and Same-Sex Domestic Violence?
Are there Any Differences Between Heterosexual Domestic Violence and Same-Sex Domestic Violence?
Does the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) Protect a Victim Who is being Abused within a Same-Sex Relationship?
In Illinois Can a Lesbian or a Gay Man who is a Victim of Domestic Violence by their Partner ask for an Order of Protection?
Resources
Go to Under Served Populations sub page
Go to Frequently Asked Questions sub page.
What are the Similarities Between Heterosexual Domestic Violence and Same-Sex Domestic Violence?
- The Victim feels isolated and powerless. The person is convinced that the abuse is somehow their fault.
- Abuse can be verbal, emotional, sexual, or physical behavior.
- Leaving the relationship can be very difficult and can be dangerous for the Victim.
- No one deserves to be abused.
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Are there Any Differences Between Heterosexual Domestic Violence and Same-Sex Domestic Violence?
- Same-Sex relationships are often not considered to be an acceptable family or partnership.
- Fear of continued victimization by Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, and Social Service workers keeps many Domestic Violence Victims in same-sex relationships from seeking assistance and safety. When Victims are unable to access the support they need to escape the violent relationship, they may remain in these relationships longer than their heterosexual counterparts.
- Few programs are available for aid to Victims of same-sex violence which further isolates the Victims.
- Many Victims feel it is a threat to their jobs, families, and safety to be open about their sexual identity. When they need help, their fear of exposure may prevent them from taking the needed steps for their own safety. The Abuser may threaten to tell the Victim's family, friends, or employer about their relationship in order to discourage the Victim from seeking help. The Victim may be afraid of being fired or losing children through a court action if their sexual orientation is known. To some Victims, this threat is so frightening that it can keep the Victim from leaving the abusive relationship.
- Support groups specifically for battered Lesbians or Gay men allow for the Victims to speak more freely about their situations.
- Lesbian and Gay communities generally avoid and ignore relationship violence. This leaves the Victims and the Abusers without resources within their own communities to help stop the violence.
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Does the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) Protect a Victim Who is being Abused within a Same-Sex Relationship?
Yes. The IDVA is written in gender-neutral language and should protect ALL Victims of domestic violence. The "household and family member" definition of who is eligible includes "persons who share or formerly shared a common dwelling", persons who have or had a dating relationship, etc. Read the complete
Household and Family Member Definition in the Illinois Domestic Violence Act.
Law Enforcement has the same responsibilities to protect all Victims of domestic violence. Read the
Law Enforcement Responsibilities in the Illinois Domestic Violence Act.
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In Illinois Can
a Lesbian or a Gay Man who is a Victim of Domestic Violence by their
Partner ask for an Order of Protection?
Yes, the Illinois law is gender-neutral. Any Victim of domestic violence can seek an Order of Protection under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act if they fit the definition of a
"household or family member". The definition includes couples who have dated or lived together regardless of sexual orientation.
Victims can contact the Domestic Violence Program near them for assistance.
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Resources
Numerous resources regarding Same-Sex Battering - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered have been compiled by the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse on their Site:
http://www.mincava.umn.edu/bibs/samesex.htm
Battering in Intimate Relationships: Gay and Lesbian Double Jeopardy:
http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/psych/glbt/doublejep.html
Myths about Lesbian and Gay Domestic Violence:
http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/psych/glbt/myths.htm
Lesbian Domestic Violence:
http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/psych/glbt/lesbat.htm
Gay Domestic Violence:
http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/psych/glbt/gayman.html
How Do You Stay Out?:
http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/psych/glbt/getout.htm
Violence in Relationships:
http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/psych/vioweb/index.html
Community United Against Violence (CUAV), San Francisco, California is a nonprofit agency which addresses and prevents hate violence directed at lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender persons. Visit their website at:
http://www.xq.com/cuav/domviol.htm
Back to
Questions
Go to Under Served Populations sub page
Go to Frequently Asked Questions sub page.
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