The Impact of Domestic Violence in the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community
Kim Johnson
Spring 2016
Senior Seminar Research Paper
Trinity Washington University
Chapter One
This literary writing will attempt to examine the impact of domestic violence (DV) in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community (LGBT). Domestic violence is prominent in a homosexual relationship, if not more so than in a heterosexual relationship (White & Goldberg, 2006). Domestic violence is also associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) (Dunne, 2014). Statistically, domestic violence rates are higher than heterosexual domestic violence with IPV (Fox, 2010). Knowing that domestic violence brings about a plethora of disparities, it is solidified
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Domestic violence is also associated with Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 2010). Domestic violence statistics stated by Domestic shelters (2014) notes, “The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV, n.d), two out of every five gay and bisexual men experience abusive partner relationships, comparable to number of heterosexual women who endure domestic violence. The Coalition also found that 50 percent of lesbian women have experienced or will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. In a survey of one year’s time, 44 percent of victims of LBGTQ domestic violence identified as men while 36 percent identified as women (para, 2.).” Moreover, CDC (2014) found that, “45% of lesbian and 61% bisexual women compared to 35% of heterosexual women experienced rape, physical violence, and /or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. As well 26% of gay men and 37% bisexual men-compared to 29% of heterosexual men experience the same (para.1).” Staggering numbers for domestic violence with LGBT people, indicates there is a need for laws to be put in place for …show more content…
The response to heterosexual domestic violence is addressed differently because often times it is the woman that is being physically, mentally and/or emotionally abused by her intimate partner (Almeida, et al, 2009). Law enforcers, organizations and families often come to the aid of the women simply because they feel the woman is of a weaker sex (Sargent, 2009). Although the cisgender community and the LGBT community experience physical, emotional and mental abuse both situations should be considered as equally
We had a guest speaker from Mutual Ground that explained what programs and services Mutual Ground offers people who face Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Teaching us about the various forms of abuse people in a relationship face. Based on the various forms someone seeks power and control in a relationship. Such as using coercion and threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, economic abuse, male privilege, children, isolation and minimizing, denying and blaming their partner to suppress their partner and have power and control. Our guest speaker talked about some of the plans they have to help the LGBTQ community to provide the same services to help victims of sexual violence and domestic violence get the necessary help needed to protect everybody
Riggle, et.al, (2008) emphasises Fraser’s social practices of connectedness and belonging. ‘Another Closet’ through a sense of connectedness and belonging creates a sense of belonging among the LGBTIQ community experiencing domestic violence. The website shares numerous cultivating networks in which connect victims to be able to share their story and connect as a community and help each other get through some of the darkest times in their lives. ‘Another Closet’ is a serious site which is both informative in the signs of domestic violence among the LGBTIQ community and providing the means for one to save themselves. It is confronting as seeing the names and faces of those who have suffered and who have told their stories to help others brings a whole minority together to help fight against domestic violence and making sure everyone receives the help
In 2013, nearly 200 reported cases of sexual orientation-based hate crimes were reported in Canada; of those crimes, 66% involved violence (Watson, 2015). Scott Jones, a young homosexual man was the victim of one of these attacks. The brutal attack rendered him paralyzed. Through the support of family and friends, he was able to collaborate with them to create “Don’t be afraid” in an effort to draw awareness to LBGT violence and help promote acceptance (Jones, 2015). He is able to provide insight through his experiences in the healthcare system such as the roles and collaboration used in his care, as well as being inspirational.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) in same-sex relationships is similar and nearly identical to IPV in heterosexual relationships, however, IPV in the LGBT community has a few unique issues. Victims of IPV in the LGBT community have to face many people in society that are homophobic. Though society has become a lot more open in accepting the LGBT community, victims still face negative attitudes from the community making it difficult for them to report the violence. If victims have not come out and announced their same-sex relationships, it makes it difficult for researchers to learn about the IPV among LGBT relationships. They also may not report the violence because if it is exposed it may reveal that they are part of the LGBT community and they
Hate crime is a motivated violent act by a group or individual perpetrator towards a specific race, colour or religion (Collins, Pg 93,192). For many years, authority figures and the media have ignored hate crime offences towards individuals who identify under the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) umbrella. Up until the 20th century and prior to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, LGBTQ persons have been victimized in violent crimes based solely on gender identification and orientation. With a myriad of events, cases and unreported individual incidents the burden of proof towards hate crime on LQBTQ increased. The development of North American law towards LGBTQ citizens has improved throughout the last two decades. However, there
“Only approximately one-quarter of all physical assaults, one-fifth of all rapes, and one-half of all stalkings perpetuated against females by intimate partners are reported to the police” (Tjaden). How does this happen? Anyone who sees this statistic is firstly appalled, and secondly unable to comprehend how such blatant abuse occurs without reprimand. And furthermore, someone who has studied sexuality would look at this statistic and wonder about how many men or transgender people are affected by physical assaults, rapes, and stalkings. But regardless of your response to this statistic, there is one thing that we all can agree on: domestic violence must stop now. And for us to move
Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any age and gender starting from babies and ending to elderlies in homes they are sent to live in. Regardless of one’s sexual orientation and race domestic violence can occur to anyone who are in relationships. Domestic violence not only affects those who are the victims but also to the people who are close to them such as neighbors, children, family members, co- workers, and people who have an insight on the situation. It is important for the victim to address the problem with someone who can help. Although the abuser can promise to change and get better, the victim must remove himself or herself from the situation to reduce risks of long-term affects.
There are many different types of domestic violence. Physical abuse is the most obvious form, but this is not to say that outsiders always recognize it. Generally, physical violence causes bodily harm, using a variety of methods. Slapping, pushing, throwing, hitting, punching, and strangling are only a few methods. An object or weapon may or may not be used. There is not always physical evidence of physical abuse such as bruising, bleeding, scratches, bumps, etc., therefore, absence of physical marks does not necessarily mean physical abuse had not occurred. Physical abuse sometimes escalates to murder (Morris and Biehl 7, Haley 14-17).
Intimate partner violence occurs among partners who are in a relationship. Such partners can either be married, engaged, and or dating and in either heterosexual or same-sex relationships. Both, male and females, can either be the victim or the perpetrator of such horrific episodes of violence against their partner. Women, for instance, are very aggressive and violent in self-defense while men, on the other hand, are most likely to engage in cycles of abuses and thus the notion that they are more violent and particularly against women (McLennan & MacMillan, 2016).
In chapter three, Same-Sex Intimate-Partner Violence–Lifting the Veil of Denial, the author Anne Sullivan and Kristen Kuehnle are trying to demonstrate that intimate-partner violence in same-sex relationships is a serious social problem, “while simultaneously dispelling the myths surrounding its occurrence.” The article begins by defining domestic violence. The authors then examine the history of the recognition of wife abuse. Before the 1970’s wife abuse was not seen as a social problem. In many cases it was seen as acceptable. Much as spousal abuse was ignored prior to the 1970’s, same-sex partner violence is being ignored today. According to the studies examined by the authors, same sex partner violence tend to happen at the same rate as heterosexual intimate partner abuse. The problem lies that many of the
Also, in LGBTQ relationships which involve children, the abuser may use the children to hurt their partner and that is not in the best interest of the children involved. There needs to be an end to all abuse against all individuals who experience any form of intimate partner violence. There is a necessity for available resources to service the LGBTQ community to prevent intimate partner violence. Therefore, the demands for shelters are crucial to aid the victim to escape to safely. Also, social workers within LGBTQ communities should address this particular problem with anyone who needs assistance to leave an abuser with confidentiality and confidence that they will be safe. People may be judgmental to blame the victim; however, the victim’s life is valuable. In fact, in heterosexual relationships, some people seem to blame the victim along with revictimizing the victim, and this is one problem that reaches out and across domestic violence and intimate violence cases. Perpetrators victim blaming and deflecting blame towards the people who have been hurt by the abuser needs to be reevaluated through the creation of new policies regardless of an individual being LGBTQ or heterosexual,
They live in a word that gives them permission.” This culture of violence is based on different ideologies that support gender-motivated violence. The male is the dominant sex. The female is the weaker sex. Women have less power, less respect and less economic incentive than men. The same principle that justify violence against women extends itself to LGBT women and transgender men. Violence is justifying by myths such as rape can be a “cure” that discourage homosexuality. “She changed her mind afterward”. “If she’s going to be raped, she may as well lie back and enjoy it.” (Perry 2009) In 2010, CDS published a report that shows 46 percent of bisexual women have been raped, compared to 17 percent of heterosexual women and 13 percent of lesbians. The persistence of violence against gay community is considered as a way to achieve hegemonic
I believe that my argument matters because lesbian survivors of intimate partner violence deserve the recognition that their experiences matter. Moreover, the erasure of the lesbian experience in available services could be viewed as an extension of violence itself. Therefore, my argument matters because lesbian survivors of partner violence matter. A challenge that could be put forth is that female survivors of violence have similar experiences based on the fact that they
We have all heard the term “domestic violence”, but what we aren’t doing is using our eyes to see it. Domestic violence can be happening in any home, whether rich or poor, black or white (or any other race, for that matter), straight or gay. While some clues may be given away by bruises or broken bones, we often do not notice that emotional violence is a form of domestic violence as well. We tend to not see it because emotional abuse has become such a norm these days; putting people down and talking to people in negate ways are seen throughout each day, whether it be from our significant others, friends, bosses, even our president. However, that does not make it okay. Sexual violence is a form of domestic violence, and it should not go unnoticed either. Forcing oneself on his or her significant other without consent can lead to rape, and that can occur in romantic relationships. However, we often do not see these cases because sex is a normal casualty in relationships and can be hard to prove. Other forms of domestic violence include, but are not limited to, economical abuse and psychological abuse.
There are different issues and circumstances when it becomes to intimate partner violence in same sex couple that explained why they are excluded. For, one it is gendered roles, Gendered roles has played a huge part in same sex violence. The different circumstances and labels between lesbian and gay couple are astoundingly. It helps to look at the real issue from both perspectives instead of putting them together as one. “Studies report show that between two