LGBT

Evidence from research in the USA, suggests that the rates of domestic abuse in same gender relationships are as high as domestic abuse against heterosexual women, that is, one in four. However, as with all domestic abuse cases, the issue is unreported.  Those involved in same gender relationships may be afraid of revealing their sexual orientation or the nature of their relationship.

Definitions

• Same sex domestic abuse: domestic abuse that takes place in relationships between lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual people. As with other forms of domestic abuse, patterns of behaviour concern power and control.
• Heterosexism: Beliefs and practices that assume heterosexuality, which silence or discriminate against LGBT people.
• Homophobia: fear, hatred, contempt and prejudice towards LGBT people.

Myths about GBT Domestic Abuse

Responses to domestic abuse are often unsatisfactory for gay and bisexual men because they tend to rely on explanations that are gender and sexuality specific (e.g. violence occurs between heterosexual couples because the male perpetrator is physically stronger and is aided and abetted by a sexist society). This gives rise to a number of myths around domestic abuse between GBT men.