An Exploration of Prevalence of Domestic Violence in Same-Sex Relationships

Owen, Stephen; Burke, Tod W.

doi:10.2466/pr0.95.1.129-132

Cited by 30 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…With a very narrow focus, this study provides deep and profound insight into the individual lives of lesbian survivors of IPV. The embarrassment and shame of being a survivor of IPV coupled with the discrimination and oppression of being a sexual minority makes identifying a usually adequate sample extremely difficult (Alexander, 2002;Owen & Burke, 2004;West, 2002). It is the voices of these survivors in the margins that are the crucial to furthering our knowledge of lesbian IPV regardless of the size of the sample in which they are presented (Giorgio, 2002).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 93%

Straighten Up and Act Like a Lady: A Qualitative Study of Lesbian Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Walters

2011

Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services

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Although scholars have been studying domestic violence for decades now, it is only recently that domestic violence occurring in nonheterosexual relationships has received noteworthy attention. Several researchers have called for further study of lesbian intimate partner violence (IPV) and the experiences of lesbian survivors. This exploratory study was designed to uncover the experiences of lesbian survivors in regards to their background of violence, perception of lesbian community attitudes, and experience with seeking help. Using modified grounded theory, I was able to expose several recurring themes in the data, including the following: history of violence; gendered belief of violence; the reality of lesbian intimate partner violence; help seeking and the silence surrounding lesbian intimate partner violence in the lesbian community; and the roles of homophobia and heterosexism in lesbian intimate partner violence. Survivors repeatedly reported feeling silenced, isolated, and helpless due to the lack of acknowledgment of and support for lesbian survivors of intimate partner violence in their communities. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of women who have endured violence at the hands of their same-sex intimate partners.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 93%

Straighten Up and Act Like a Lady: A Qualitative Study of Lesbian Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Walters

2011

Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services

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“…Strengths of this study include the assessment of perpetrator gender and the inclusion of bisexuals; a limitation was the use of a convenience sample recruited at a political event. Owen and Burke (2004) used a convenience sample of 66 (50% female) adults to assess lifetime victimization of verbal, physical, and sexual forms of IPV in past or current same-sex relationships. Approximately 56% of the sample reported experiencing some form of same-sex IPV at some point in their lives, with verbal IPV being the most common.…”

Section: Downloaded By [Northeastern University] At 11:38 20 Februarymentioning

confidence: 99%

Intimate Partner Violence Reported by Lesbian-, Gay-, and Bisexual-Identified Individuals Living in Canada: An Exploration of Within-Group Variations

Barrett

Pierre

2013

Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services

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Although research has examined intimate partner violence (IPV) within lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) communities, contradictory evidence exists regarding variations in IPV within this diverse population. Using data from a nationally representative Canadian survey, we examined differences in rates and severity of LGB IPV based on sexual orientation, gender, sociodemographic factors, and previous experiences of discrimination. Individuals who were bisexual, younger, currently single, less educated, and who experienced physical/mental limitations were more likely to experience IPV. Compared to gays and lesbians, bisexuals reported more incidents of violence and higher rates of injury. Implications for research and theory development are provided.

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“…In our study, lesbian IPV is defined as a “pattern of violent or coercive behavior whereby a lesbian seeks to control the thoughts, beliefs, or conduct of her intimate partner or to punish the intimate partner for resisting the perpetrator's control” (Hart, 1986, p. 173). Many IPV scholars report that the rates of same‐sex IPV are similar to those of heterosexual couples (e.g., Owen & Burke, 2004); however, prevalence data on same‐sex IPV are limited. Different sampling methods, definitions, and measurement techniques have resulted in a wide degree of prevalence estimates (Hassouneh & Glass, 2008).…”

Section: Lesbian Mothers and Ipvmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lesbian Mothers' Counseling Experiences in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence

Oswald

Fonseca

Hardesty

2010

Psychology of Women Quarterly

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Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant concern for some lesbian households with children. Yet we know of only one study that has examined lesbian mothers' experiences with IPV. In the current study we analyzed the counseling experiences of participants in our prior study. Interviews with 24 lesbian mothers (12 Black, 9 White, and 3 Latina) 23 to 54 years of age (M = 39.5) were coded using thematic analysis. Overall, lesbian mothers experiencing IPV did seek help from counselors (n = 15, 63%), typically after reaching a breaking point. Counselors were most helpful when addressing the abuse and promoting self-empowerment, and least helpful when victim-blaming or ignoring the abuse and/or the same-sex relationship. Lesbian mothers' perceptions that mental health professionals were sometimes ineffective have implications for provider training. In order to work effectively with this population, providers should attempt to eliminate or correct personal biases or prejudices with self-exploration and education. By becoming more aware and knowledgeable of the nuances, struggles, and strengths of the lesbian community, providers can gain competency in providing therapeutic services to such clients. Mental health professionals can also adopt an advocacy stance to assist in spreading cultural awareness to others and support policy or institutional changes to include same-sex IPV. Competencies can be assessed through future studies that identify the knowledge and skills gap among mental health professionals who frequently work with the lesbian population.

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An Exploration of Prevalence of Domestic Violence in Same-Sex Relationships

Cited by 30 publications

References 5 publications

Straighten Up and Act Like a Lady: A Qualitative Study of Lesbian Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Straighten Up and Act Like a Lady: A Qualitative Study of Lesbian Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate Partner Violence Reported by Lesbian-, Gay-, and Bisexual-Identified Individuals Living in Canada: An Exploration of Within-Group Variations

Lesbian Mothers' Counseling Experiences in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence

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