DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
According to recent studies on intimate partner violence (domestic violence), same-sex partners experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at the same rate as heterosexual couples. In fact, the incidence of IPV may be greater since many of us do not report domestic violence incidents to authorities. Domestic violence is often associated with physical abuse, such as hitting or pushing, but emotional and verbal abuse, intimidation and threats, and sexual violence are all acts of IPV.
LGBT victims and perpetrators of domestic violence often find that our public health, social service and criminal justice systems do not have policies and programs in place to adequately address same-sex domestic violence. In fact, many states have laws that define domestic violence as occurring only between a man and a woman, which makes it impossible for us to get restraining orders or support from local law enforcement.
Leaving an abusive partner without a safety plan, support and information about options is dangerous and can be life-threatening. Because IPV always includes power and control dynamics and is not a communication or relationship problem, couple counseling is generally not effective. Addressing IPV is complex and potentially volatile. It is critical that survivors and abusers seek help from a trained LGBT domestic violence specialist.
Urge your federal, state and local agencies to create culturally appropriate services to address LGBT IPV. Insist that our health care professionals, social service providers and law enforcement professionals are trained to recognize and respond to domestic violence in the LGBT community, and are active in prevention programs.
IPV CAN BE STOPPED. IF YOU ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP, HELP IS AVAILABLE:
- If you are victim of domestic violence, in an emergency situation, call 911.
- If not an emergency, call for police assistance or go to a police station to file a report.
- For information about services in your area, call the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Projects at (212) 714-1184, visit their website www.ncavp.org, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-779-SAFE (TTY 1-800-787-3224).
- Talk about it with someone you trust - a friend, relative, or a health care practitioner.
silence helps no one. speak out about domestic violence.
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