Same Sex Domestic Violence, Article Review Example

This paper addresses the issue of domestic abuse in same sex relationships. The report compares the occurrence, frequency, and type of abuse endured by same sex couples. The report primarily cites lesbian relationships. Little data is provided about gay male relationships. The study referenced only the state of Idaho (McHann, 2008) . Therefore, broad conclusions regarding abuse in same sex marriages cannot be adequately determined because of such a small control group.

There is a reluctance on the part of the gay community to reveal itself for studies, as well as reporting the abuse. This could be due to the homophobic climate in society at large. In a society that is predominantly heterosexual, domestic abuse in homosexual relationships is dismissed because society does not validate such a relationship. Domestic violence is generally thought of as strictly an area of concern for heterosexual couples. For example, society tends to focus on the abuse of women by men (State of Idaho, n.d.).

The question posed by the author, regarding the rate of incidences being the same for same sex couples as they are with heterosexual relationships is answered in the affirmative. Statistics include police reports, court cases (such as restraining orders, etc.), number of victims admitted to shelters, and reports from counselors. The complaints of same sex domestic abuse do not appear to be taken seriously, or recognized as legitimate due to the stigma of being gay (Younglove, 2002).

The article suggests that more training and education be implemented by police and law enforcement. Shelters are being established specifically for same sex domestic abuse. The report shows that there is a legitimate need to reach out to the public regarding this issue. Even the gay community is at fault for the lack of recognition of same sex domestic violence. The gay community at large is more focused on hate crimes, marriage equality, etc. (McHann, 2008).

Lesbians that face counselors regarding their claims are not taken seriously because the counselor is preconditioned to visualize females being abused by males. The counselors have a hard time believing that a woman could commit violence against another woman (McHann, 2008). This a reflection of the time and society in which we live. It is still dominated by values that are defined by heterosexuals, and their relationships.

Lesbian and gay relationships have a different set of circumstances. Their partners can perpetrate abuse in ways that would not affect or be applicable in a heterosexual relationship. For example, a same sex abuser could threaten to “out” the victim, or keep his or her partner from having a relationship with family members (McHann, 2008). Victims already feel that they are in an oppressive relationship due to the unconventional status of a homosexual relationship. Therefore, the victim is afraid to report any violence publically because that will naturally lead to an “outing” of that person.

In conclusion, the incidence of same sex domestic abuse in Idaho is relatively the same as in heterosexual relationships. Although the sexual orientation and circumstances are different, both homosexuals and heterosexuals experience abuse at the hands of their partners. Even though the studies are inconclusive, and are limited in their scope and range, the similarities are evident.

References

McHann, C. (2008). Out of the Closet or Under the Rug: An Analysis of Same Sex Domestic Violence in Idaho. McNair Scholars Research Journal(1).

State of Idaho. (n.d.). Victims. Retrieved from Council on Domestic Violece and Victim Assistance: http://www.icdv.idaho.gov/

Younglove, J. (2002). Law enforcement officers’ perceptions of same sex domestic violence:reason for cautious optimism. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 760-772.