Lesbian Partner Violence

Lesbian Partner Violence

Mary Johnson

Liberty University

Abstract

Domestic Violence, whether between heterosexuals or same-sex partners, is a preventable epidemic in our society. There are a few similarities among same-sex and heterosexual partners’ violence. Domestic violence transpires for same-sex partners as it does for heterosexuals. Lesbian partner violence includes the same abuse that is experienced by heterosexuals which include, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Lesbian batterers share some of the same reasons for battering their partners as those that arouse heterosexual male batterers. In addition, lesbian batterers share some of the same triggers and the rate at which domestic violence occurs is similar to those experienced by heterosexuals. However, there are also some differences.

For the lesbian couple, the more masculine partner can be as likely to be the victim as the batterer but between heterosexuals it is the male that is more often the batterer. Although much research on the effects of domestic violence has been completed and monies have been allocated for treatment and resources for the victims, the lesbian victim of domestic abuse has obstacles to face more so than her heterosexual counterpart. Because of the possible “outing” of one’s sexual orientation, a batterer in a lesbian couple can exert this power over her victim, making it increasingly harder for the victim to report abuse. Many incidents of abuse go unreported due to barriers that lesbians face. Domestic violence laws may differ from state to state and may not address same-sex violence. Many states lack trained personnel and facilities to house victims of lesbian partner violence. Lesbian partner violence is as common as heterosexual domestic violence, yet lesbians are not afforded the same protection, safe keeping, and treatment offered to heterosexual victims of domestic violence .

There is a myth among members of the lesbian community that...