Domestic violence in same-sex relationships

Domestic violence in same-sex relationships is a pattern of violence or abuse that occurs within same-sex relationships. Domestic violence is an issue that affects people of any sexuality, but there are issues that affect victims of same-sex domestic violence specifically. These issues include homophobia, HIV and AIDS stigma, STD risk and other health issues, lack of legal support, and the violence they face being considered less serious than heterosexual domestic violence. Moreover, the issue of domestic violence in same-sex relationships has not been studied as comprehensively as domestic violence in heterosexual relationships. However, there are legal changes being made to help victims of domestic violence in same-sex relationships, as well as organizations that cater specifically to victims of domestic violence in same-sex relationships.

All prevalence information except for the information about transgender relationships was taken from a study conducted in the US by the CDC in 2010. This studied who had experienced abuse or sexual violence and divided people by their sexual orientation. The study did not report on the gender or sexual orientation of the abuser.

26% of gay men report having experienced physical violence, stalking, or rape by their partners. 29% of heterosexual men reported similar violence in the same study.

40% of lesbian women reported physical violence by their partners, and 44% reported experiencing physical violence, stalking, or rape by their partners. In contrast, 35% of heterosexual women reported physical violence, stalking, or rape by their partners in the same study.

Although bisexual people may be in relationships with people of any gender, they are often victims of domestic violence. For women, 61% report having experienced physical violence, stalking, or rape by their partners. For men in the same study, 37% reported having experienced similar violence.

For both men and women, the percentage of bisexual people who have experienced domestic violence is higher than either gay men or lesbians. The high rate of domestic violence faced by bisexual people may be in part because of the specific challenges bisexual people face in receiving help, as bisexuality is often misunderstood, even by those who administer domestic violence help professionally.

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