NCJ Number
116674
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1989) Pages: 101-106
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A survey of lesbians and gay men who reported their experiences as victims of violence is examined.
Abstract
Each of the 120 social and political lesbian/gay organizations throughout the United States was asked to distribute as least five questionnaires to its members. A total of 700 questionnaires were distributed, of which 294 (42 percent) were returned. Of the respondents, 166 were men and 125 were women. Most were between 21 and 30 years of age, and the majority were white. Respondents reported eight types of violence directed against them, the most frequent types being chased or followed; objects thrown at them; punched, kicked, hit, or beaten; vandalized; and robbed. Settings in which violence occurred most frequently were public lesbian/gay areas, public nonlesbian/gay areas, home settings, and school settings. More men than women reported victimization, as did more people of color than whites. In total, 73 percent of the violence victims never reported an incident to the police. Of those who did file complaints, 51 percent found police to be courteous, 67 percent said police were indifferent, 23 percent said police were hostile, and 5 percent said police were abusive. The impact of surveys of this type on legislators and policymakers is discussed. 16 references, 1 table. (Author abstract modified)