NCJ Number
223754
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 6 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 457-462
Date Published
August 2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This literature review examines sociocultural factors that influence how same-sex intimate partner violence (IPV) is viewed, studied, reported, and treated, with a focus on the effects of gender-role socialization and heterosexism.
Abstract
IPV can be experienced as a range of physical, psychological, and sexual abuses. The abuse inflicted among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) couples can be just as invasive and severe as that experienced by heterosexual couples. Consequences of this abuse are also similar among victims, regardless of sexual orientation. They include being more aggressive, hostile, more distressed, having more substance abuse problems, and being less satisfied with their relationships than those not in abusive relationships. One of the factors distinctive to GLBT couples, however, is being a target for discrimination, hostility, disrespect, and violence outside the home, both as individuals and as a couple. This places stress on the individual partners as well as their intimate relationship. This, in turn, places the partnership at risk for IPV. Violence among GLBT couples is also minimized by the stereotypical view that IPV stems largely from gender-based power imbalances in the relationship. Same-sex partnerships, on the other hand, are assumed to consist of partners who are physically and socially matched in terms of power. This may lead to a trivialization of any abuse in the partnership as an argument or conflict of equals. This perception discourages reporting and reduces the urgency of responses. It is particularly important for treatment professionals to understand the distinctive dynamics of IPV in same-sex relationships. These professionals must also address their own issues with homophobia and develop a mindset that not only appreciates the distinctive features of same-sex intimate relationships but also the similarities that make IPV a serious physical and psychological threat to its victims. 27 references