NCJ Number
216131
Journal
International Journal of Comparative Criminology Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: 2003 Pages: 94-118
Date Published
2003
Length
25 pages
Annotation
The author draws on her own research and the research literature to critique the methodologies, definitions, and findings of research on anti-gay/lesbian violence in Canada.
Abstract
The author cites her own research in Canada as well as that of other researchers to show that there are differences between women and men's experiences of anti-gay/lesbian violence. Her findings show that there are female perpetrators who attack both lesbian women and gay men; and there is sufficient empirical data to theorize that women's experience of anti-lesbian violence is separate from that of gay men. Although there is empirical evidence that anti-gay violence occurs between strangers, the author's Canadian research indicates that lesbian women are more likely to be assaulted by people they know, most often male friends, ex-partners, or family members. Based on her research, the author also challenges the view that anti-gay/lesbian violence stems from the perpetrator's pathological mental condition ("homosexual panic") or thrill-seeking by youthful boys looking for acceptable targets for their aggressive and violent impulses. Such an analysis ignores societal support for homophobia and the virtues of heterosexism. Regarding research methodology for examining anti-gay/lesbian violence, the author advises against collecting and explaining empirical data that use criminological frameworks traditionally used to explain male-on-male violence. The author favors a contextual approach that combines survey research with interviews, participant observation, and content analysis. She believes this to be the best approach for assessing the prevalence and impact of anti-gay and anti-lesbian victimization. Regarding definitions of anti-gay/lesbian violence, definitions used to date would seem to provide room for examining anti-lesbian violence; however, lesbian victimization is often ignored in hate crime investigations, as male victims become the focus of analysis. 79 references