Sexual Coercion in Gay/Lesbian Relationships: Descriptives and Gender Differences

• NCJ Number: 171112
• Journal: Violence and Victims Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1997) Pages: 87-98
• Author(s): L K Waldner-Haugrud; L V Gratch
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 12 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Iowa State University
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study measures the frequency of sexually coercive acts within gay and lesbian relationships.

Abstract

A sample of 162 gay males and 111 lesbians completed a survey measuring the frequency of sexually coercive acts occurring within gay and lesbian relationships. Contradicting earlier findings that lesbians experience sexual coercion at higher rates than gay men, this study suggests lesbians are not more likely than gay men to be classified as victims of sexual coercion. Gay men experienced a significantly higher mean number of coercive experiences. There were no gender differences specific to the type of coercion experienced and the severity of the sexual coercion outcomes (penetration). While this nonrandom sample is larger (total, 273) than those used in previous studies, the results cannot be generalized to all gays and lesbians. All the subjects were white and highly educated; the study yields no information on the experiences of gays and lesbians of color or those in the lower classes. Tables, figure, references