Domestic Violence in Lesbian, Bisexual
& Transgender Relationships
How domestic violence in lesbian, bisexual and transgender
relationships is the same as heterosexual relationships:
• No one deserves to be abused.
• Abuses can be physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological.
It can involve verbal or physical behavior used to coerce, threaten
or humiliate.
• Abuse often occurs in a cyclical pattern.
• The purpose of the abuse is to maintain control and power over
a partner.
• The abused partner feels alone, isolated and afraid.
How domestic violence is experienced differently in LBT
relationships:
• LBT people who have been the victims of domestic
violence have a much more difficult time finding sources of support
than heterosexual women who are battered by their male partners.
• Telling heterosexuals about battering in a LBT relationship can
reinforce the myth that many believe that LBT people are “sick”.
• LBT survivors may not know others who are LBT; leaving the abuse
could mean total isolation.
• Using existing services (shelter, support groups, crisis lines)
could mean lying about the relationship or coming out to strangers.
• The LBT community is not always supportive of survivors, and
frequently is unwilling to admit the extent of violence in their relationships.
Maintaining there are no problems is a way to defend against a heterosexist
and homophobic culture.
Source: Anti-Violence Project
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