Same Sex Domestic Violence

'Same-Sex Domestic Violence' focuses on topics of practical concern in a neglected area of partner abuse. Contributors to this volume are prominent professionals and activists in the field.

This book deepens readers’ knowledge and understanding of the nature of domestic violence and sexual abuse involving male same-sex partners, and of dating violence against gay men and related issues in the European Union (EU). Drawing on non-probability samples, it addresses the propensities of refugees and migrant gay men in Germany and the prevalence of sexual abuse directed toward these men by illustrating their experiences as victims. In closing, the book explores the challenges of identifying sexual abuse victimization within the gay community, as well as the implications for practice, policy, and future research.

Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships provides a comprehensive analysis of same-sex domestic violence, addressing the major theoretical and treatment issues for both its victims and perpetrators. Its contents raise awareness among social service providers, of the problem of same-sex domestic violence and emphasize the need for special services for both victims and perpetrators. The publication of Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships signifies the growing official recognition of domestic violence within lesbian and gay relationships as a social problem worthy of serious attention and intervention. Editors Renzetti and Miley begin by providing readers with an overview of the problem of same-sex domestic violence and the responses of the domestic violence movement and other social service providers. Chapters then move to discussions of the current scarcity of services available to lesbian and gay victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and then evaluate specific treatment modalities for these client groups. Significantly, the special needs of lesbians and gays of color and those with HIV/AIDS are discussed. Chapters contain: an historical overview of the study of same-sex domestic violence a review and evaluation of theoretical explanations of same-sex domestic violence an analysis of major problems in service provisions to gay and lesbian victims of domestic violence suggestions for and evaluations of specific treatment modalities an analysis of how racism intersects with homophobia to exacerbate the consequences of domestic violence an analysis of the role of HIV/AIDS in same-sex domestic violence Contributors to this volume were actively addressing the problem of same-sex domestic violence before it was officially “discovered.” Some were motivated by their experiences as victims and survivors of same-sex domestic violence, others by their concern about domestic violence in general. As a compilation of the writings of academics, clinicians, advocates, and activists, Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships bridges disciplinary and occupational boundaries and promotes a dialogue across fields and specialties. Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships is unique in that it is the only book available which comprehensively addresses the social service needs of gay and lesbian domestic violence victims and perpetrators. Specific suggestions are offered for improving service providers’ responses to gay and lesbian victims of domestic violence. Social workers, counselors, practitioners and clinicians will find it especially useful, given that it addresses the effectiveness of particular treatment modalities for lesbian and gay victims and perpetrators.

'Same-Sex Domestic Violence' focuses on topics of practical concern in a neglected area of partner abuse. Contributors to this volume are prominent professionals and activists in the field.

This book provides the first detailed discussion of domestic violence and abuse in same-sex relationships, offering a unique comparison between same-sex and heterosexual contexts. Catherine Donovan and Marianne Hester examine how experiences of domestic violence and abuse are shaped by gender, sexuality, and age, seeking to understand what factors drive victims to seek?or not seek?help. Employing a pioneering methodology that includes both quantitative and qualitative research, they provide a new framework of analysis?what they call ?practices of love”?that challenges heteronormative models of engaging domestic violence in research, policy, and practice.

Domestic violence in gay male relationships is the third largest health problem for gay men in America today. Men Who Beat the Men Who Love Them breaks the silence surrounding gay male domestic violence and exposes this hidden yet prevalent and destructive problem. The authors paint a vivid picture of gay men’s domestic violence, bringing its brutality to life by including personal narratives, written by one of the authors, by clearly defining what it is and what it is not through lists of violent acts and criminal code categories, and by thoroughly examining and analyzing the criminal, mental health, medical, political, and interpersonal issues involved. The authors boldly depart from the battered women’s literature by asserting that batterers have a diagnosable mental disorder, that battering is not gender based, and that much further criminalization of domestic violence is necessary. Striving for victim advocacy, the book underscores the idea that gay men’s domestic violence is totally unacceptable and is caused solely by individual abusive gay men who choose to batter. The book builds on and departs from what is known about domestic violence, with the authors challenging several fundamental premises in the literature, unabashedly identifying battering as a mental disorder. The authors explain that victims cannot stop their battering partners from battering and virtually all batterers choose to harm their partners in a premeditated fashion. The authors provide practical steps and suggestions for victims who want to leave and stay away from their violent partners and for friends who want to help battered gay men. Chapters describe the scope of the problem and refute myths and misconceptions. There are several detailed theory chapters in which the authors explain why gay men’s domestic violence occurs, who the batterers are, who the victims are at different stages of victimization, and how domestic violence can be stopped. A visionary, wide-ranging governmental and private plan of action is introduced, including lists of necessary laws and policies, as well as outlines of strong education, training, and advertising problems needed in various sectors of society. As a self-help book, Men Who Beat the Men Who Love Them provides practical information on a never-before discussed topic. As a trainer’s manual or teaching guide, it includes specific criteria for understanding the problem and for providing treatment.

Violence is a male biological trait. When women fight, no one gets seriously hurt. Lesbians don't abuse their spouses. The truth revealed in Janice Ristock's groundbreaking book is that lesbian relationships sometimes do turn violent. Based on interviews with more than one hundred lesbians who have suffered abuse and seventy-five case workers, No More Secrets is the first in-depth account of this startling phenomenon. Although one in four gay and lesbian couples are affected by domestic violence, the problem has remained hidden for several reasons. By giving voice to the victims, Ristock helps women to address violence by breaking silences, sharing secrets, and naming the forms of abuse.

Queer lives remain at the margins of most academic inquiry into domestic violence. This edited volume seeks to change this discourse by bringing together the most innovative research about intimate partner violence that is specific to the lives of lesbian/ gay/ bisexual/ transgender/Two-Spirit and queer people (LGBTQ).