NCJ Number
121893
Date Published
1983
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the study of anti-gay/lesbian violence being conducted by the National Gay Task Force, lists the definitions of violence used in the study, describes the services available to victims of such violence, and reviews the clinical aspects of homophobic violence.
Abstract
The study's first phase will examine the nature of homophobic violence, using a hotline to receive reports of such violence. To obtain data on the frequency of anti-gay/lesbian violence, the second phase of the study will distribute a questionnaire to gay men and lesbians as well as to a heterosexual control group. Reports of violence and harassment will be compared between the groups. The third phase of the study will monitor the gay and lesbian press for incidents of harassment, violence, and homicide. The fourth phase will involve indepth interviews with a sample of victims. Advice for victims of homophobic violence encompasses reporting the incident to police, obtaining medical help, and receiving both group and individual counseling. Some clinical considerations are the needs to address guilt and feelings of inadequacy surrounding violent incidents. Male victims, particularly, must counter the social conditioning that men must be strong and deal with their problems without help from others. This paper also suggests steps for preventing homophobic violence on a societal level.