NCJ Number
104232
Date Published
1984
Length
36 pages
Annotation
To examine the nature and extent of gay/lesbian victimization, questionnaire surveys were conducted in eight U.S. cities in 1983. Respondents included 2,074 individuals who identified themselves as predominantly or exclusively homosexual.
Abstract
Cities included in the survey were Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, and Seattle. Analysis of data indicates that 90 percent of respondents had experienced some type of victimization because of their sexual orientation, and more than 80 percent reported knowing other homosexuals who had been victimized. Over a third reported having been threatened with violence, and over 20 percent of males and 10 percent of females reported having been punched, kicked, or beaten. A similar proportion suffered some form of abuse from police. Assaults occurred at home, in school, and in other contexts. Many reported multiple victimizations. Finally, anti-gay/lesbian violence clearly affected the attitudes and behaviors of respondents: 80 percent feared future victimization because of their sexual orientation, and 50 percent reported modifying their behaviors because of anti-gay/lesbian violence. The survey instrument and supplemental data are appended. 16 tables and 5 references.