NCJ Number
127580
Journal
Family Relations Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1989) Pages: 157-163
Date Published
1989
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The problem of violence in intimate lesbian relationships is examined together with the impact of third party responses on the victim herself and on future assaults.
Abstract
Utilizing questionnaire and interview data from a nationwide self-selected sample of 100 battered lesbians, the article examines the incidence and forms of abuse in violent lesbian relationships. Victims' help-seeking efforts are analyzed as are the responses of help providers to those requests. Finally, the impact of help provider responses of both victims and violent episodes is assessed. Although the study reports that most lesbian victims seek help from third parties, the assistance they receive is minimal. Most victims perceive help providers to be homophobic and sexist in their responses. Moreover, the messages that are communicated to the victim may actually serve to perpetuate the abuse. The article concludes with recommendations for improving the ways third party help providers respond to lesbian victims. 2 tables and 34 references