By Claire Bernstein, JCADA Intern
According to a recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 heterosexual women, 1 in 3 lesbian women, and 1 in 2 bisexual women have been physically or emotionally abused by an intimate partner. In addition, this study found that 1 in 4 men, regardless of sexual orientation, have experienced violence by an intimate partner. Results from this comprehensive study on sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and stalking remind us that violence is an issue across all sexual orientations and is not limited to specific types of relationships.
According to a recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 heterosexual women, 1 in 3 lesbian women, and 1 in 2 bisexual women have been physically or emotionally abused by an intimate partner. In addition, this study found that 1 in 4 men, regardless of sexual orientation, have experienced violence by an intimate partner. Results from this comprehensive study on sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and stalking remind us that violence is an issue across all sexual orientations and is not limited to specific types of relationships.
Recently, I participated in a webinar
hosted by the California Coalition Against
Sexual Assault, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Northwest Network for domestic
violence prevention organizations and advocates. The goal of this presentation
was to teach community members about the implications of these study findings
and how to better serve people in the LGBT community who are also victims of
domestic violence. Here are some of the questions that this webinar raised as
well as a few answers:
·
How many of us have seen examples of positive
and healthy relationships in the media? Does the media promote healthy same-sex
relationships?
o
The media often sensationalizes unhealthy
relationships and likes to show the negative interactions between couples. But
if we only see examples of unhealthy relationships, how do we learn what a
healthy relationship is?
o
The Northwest
Network found that many LGBT victims of domestic violence said no one ever
told them how to have a healthy relationship. Many people in the LGBT community
do not have other couples to look up to, which may make applying the general
concepts of respect, trust, and support more challenging. Not knowing what is
acceptable in a relationship increases the risk of violence.
·
Although the rates of violence are similar
across sexual orientations, are there additional challenges for partners in same sex relationships
experiencing domestic violence?
Lambda GLBT Community Services has found that:
o
Abusers in the LGBT community may manipulate
their partners using threats of “outing” or exposing their partner’s sexual
orientation to friends and family members.
o
Victims of violence in LGBT community may feel
extremely isolated, especially if they were already experiencing isolation by family
members or friends who are not supportive of their sexual orientation.
o
A LGBT victim may have a more difficult time
leaving their abusive partner because they share many of the same friends and
are afraid they will lose their support from the LGBT community if they leave
their partner.
o
Legal issues for the LGBT community, including
court protection and custody of children, can prevent a victim from leaving an
abusive relationship.
·
What factors create an environment that condones
violence in same-sex relationships?
o
Cultural norms influence the way we think about
interpersonal violence. Many of us have heard the phrase “boys
will be boys” in reference to brothers or male friends fighting with one
another. But, this concept, when applied to actions between partners, minimizes
the seriousness of abuse in gay couples.
o
Oppression, especially in the LGBT community, influences
our relationships and communities. Because many members of the LGBT community
are not given the same rights as other communities, LGBT victims of domestic
violence may not believe that they deserve a healthy relationship and one free
from violence.
o
The media often emphasizes unhealthy relationships
in the LGBT community instead of showing disapproval for violence in
relationships.
·
How can our community do a better job of
supporting LGBT individuals who are victims of domestic violence?
o
Creating better legal protections and minimizing
discrimination will increase LGBT victims’ ability to utilize community
resources. Many LGBT victims of violence are afraid to seek help because of
prior negative experiences with community resources, so we should make a
conscious effort to reach out to the LGBT community.
o
Organizations and resources can specifically
promote same-sex relationships using inclusive
language. Using inclusive language can encourage people in the LGBT community
to get help.
o
Community members and organizations can connect
with local and national LGBT organizations to better understand and serve the
needs of the LGBT community.
We encourage you to think about these questions and how our
society views domestic abuse across all sexual orientations. Hopefully these questions will help you think about the steps we can
take to better support all our community members. JCADA is here to help any victim of sexual
violence or domestic abuse and encourages anyone who is struggling with these
issues to call our helpline at 1-877-88-JCADA(52232).
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