Partner Assault in Gay and Lesbian Couples By Rose Anne Medeiros

Why does partner violence in gay and lesbian couples matter? Estimates are that 1-10% of the population is gay or lesbian. The 2000 Census found that about 1.5% of couples were same-sex couples. Studying same-sex couples allows us to separate partner violence from gender.

Violence in Gay and Lesbian Couples Suggests that Feminist Assertions About Partner Violence are an Oversimplification. Lesbians who assault their partners are not defending themselves from a man’s violence Gay men who assault their partners are not motivated by misogyny or a desire to repress women. However, they may be attempting to assert or maintain dominance over their partners.

Surveys of lesbians find that 17-73% have been in a same-sex relationship that included violence. Surveys of gay men find that 17-30% have been in a same-sex relationship that included violence. A comparable figured for married heterosexual couples is 28%.

Data from the IDVS Approximately 3% of students reported being in a same-sex relationship Portugal had no students reporting involvement in same-sex relationships India had a very high rate of students reporting same-sex relationships (16%). India was dropped because students appeared to be reporting on friendships rather than dating relationships.

Women were 24% more likely than similar men to assault a partner. Respondents in same-sex relationships were 57% more likely to assault their partner than similar individuals with an opposite-sex partner. Another study found that heterosexual women were more likely to be assaulted by their partner. However, this study involved a smaller convenience sample. Results

Risk Factors for Lesbian Partner Violence One partner dominant over the other (lesbian couples) When one partner is independent, and the other dependent, the dependent partner tends to assault their partner (lesbian couples)

Why do gay and lesbian couples have higher rates of partner assault? Internalized homophobia Increased stress in the relationship due to social stigma Less social support for the couple (because fewer others know of or approve of the relationship) Less well defined roles for each member of the couple –When you don’t have culturally defined roles, you have to negotiate more. More negotiation can mean more conflict.