Domestic Violence and Abuse in Same-Sex Relationships

Abstract

Domestic violence and abuse in same-sex relationships is the subject matter of Chap. 8. There is a considerable research literature on issues of domestic violence in heterosexual relationships and a growing awareness of how the victims, usually women, can suffer abuse and violence over lengthy periods before reporting. There are some similarities for people in same-sex relationships but there are also some very significant differences, including the viewing of domestic violence and abuse within a heterosexual framework and the failure to recognise it in same-sex relationships. Some of the obstacles to recognition, including reluctance to report and fear of homophobia in agencies, are explored and the risks of practitioners making wrong assumptions about who is the aggressor and who is the victim based on cursory perceptions of visual appearance. It is suggested that practitioners need to step carefully and sensitively if they are to gather a real picture of what is going on, and offer an appropriate service or response.