Crisis Center Workers' Perceptions of Same-Sex IPV

This piece highlights same-sex intimate partner violence from a perspective we haven’t addressed yet; that of the service providers and how they perceive same-sex violence. The study included 120 crisis center staff members who were asked to respond to a domestic violence vignette.

In order to assess their perceptions of same-sex intimate partner violence and how those perceptions compared to those of opposite-sex intimate partner violence situations, the researchers altered the sex of the individuals in the vignette to offer varying scenarios.

It was found that crisis center staff reported that they felt same-sex intimate partner violence scenarios were less serious than opposite-sex violence. Additionally, they reported that same-sex violence situations were less likely to get worse.

What does this tell us about perceptions of violence? Why is this useful to know? How can we better educate crisis center staff on dealing with same-sex intimate partner violence? 

Citation: Brown, Michael J. and Jennifer Groscup. (2009). Perceptions of Same-Sex Domestic Violence Among Crisis Center Staff. Journal of Family Violence, 24, 87-93.

A Feminist Approach to Understanding Same-Sex IPV

Hello again! This piece was sent to me from a reader of the blog – thanks for your contribution! Highlighting the importance of an international approach, the reader wanted to share this piece from the UK.

The paper discusses a survey instrument that was created and implemented that aimed to assess domestic violence in same-sex relationships. The authors of this piece wanted to be able to assess domestic violence in same-sex partnerships but also be able to compare behavior across opposite-sex and same-sex couples. The questionnaire included many different sections that addressed different aspects of violence.

This survey was unique in that it utilized a feminist approach. The purpose of this was so that the instrument would be sensitive to the power and gender dynamics of domestic violence. In this study, more than 1/3 of respondents (38.4%) reported having experienced domestic violence.

Important to note from the findings of this project is that people in same-sex relationships consider and experience combinations of violence (physical, sexual, and emotional) as having the greatest impact.

Citation: Hester, Marianne, Catherine Donovan, and Eldin Fahmy. (2010). Feminist epistemology and the politics of method: surveying same sex domestic violence. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 13 (3), 251-263.

Same-Sex IPV in the Philippines

I wanted to share this piece with you because it helps us to understand that same-sex intimate partner violence is not a local phenomenon. While must of the research I’ve included in this forum is from the United States, same-sex intimate partner violence takes place everywhere. I have offered some resources from the UK, and this piece comes from the Philippines. It is important to be cognizant that this blog can be accessed from everywhere so it makes sense to include a variety of resources from a variety of locations.

The piece was based on the interviews of four couples (2 gay male couples and 2 lesbian couples) and sought to gain an understanding of when violence occurred. While the sample is small, it still provides some information that is worth noting.

Based on the interview data, physical violence took place after the perpetrator of violence (this piece referred to him/her as the “initiator of violence”) claimed to be innocent or placed blame and guilt onto the victim.

Citation: Ofreneo, Mira Alexis P., and Cristina Jayme Montiel. (2010). Positioning theory as a discursive approach to understanding same-sex intimate violence. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 13, 247-259.

More Books

This book discusses intimate partner violence in gay male relationships as it is the third largest health problem for gay men. It is called Men Who Beat The Men Who Love Them, written by John Dececco (PhD), Patrick Letellier, and David Island

The following book provides the first in-depth account of lesbian violence. It is called No More Secrets:  Violence in Lesbian Relationships, by Janice Ristock. 

This book is a professional guide to understanding Gay and Lesbian domestic violence. It was edited by Joan C. McClennen (PhD) and John Joseph Gunther.

Reader Submitted Resources

Hi again - here are a few different links that readers have sent in. Others have found these useful at some point in time and I hope you will as well!

For snapshots of many different aspects of domestic violence:
http://www.datehookup.com/content-abuse-in-same-sex-relationships.htm 

This page offers similarities and differences for same-sex vs. opposite-sex partner violence. It also provides information on how same-sex violence is unique:
http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/gay.shtml

This website offers facts about same-sex domestic violence:
http://www.maitri.org/dvlesbgay.html

The following website offers a research report about same-sex violence and also offers suggestions as to what research should focus on in the future:
http://www.crimeandjustice.org/councilinfo.cfm?pID=60 

Red Flags

The Rainbow Domestic Violence page provides a lot of different information for people who want information on same-sex domestic violence.

Important to point out are the warning signs or "red flags"of abuse:
1- Jealousy
2- Controlling Behavior
3- Quick Involvement
4- Unrealistic Expectations
5- Isolation
6- Blaming Others for Problems
7- Blaming Others for Feelings
8- Hypersensitivity
9- Cruelty to Animals or Children
10- "Playful" Use of Force in Sex
11- Verbal Abuse
12- Rigid Sex Roles
13- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
14- Past Battering
15- Threats of Violence
16- Breaking or Hitting Things
17- Any Use of Force During an Argument

There is much more information available at: http://www.rainbowdomesticviolence.itgo.com/

Another Book-

Hello bloggers! Here is another book that could be a great resource for those of you wanting to learn more: Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships, by Claire M. Renzetti and Charles Harvey Miley. It provides a comprehensive analysis of same-sex domestic violence: includes theoretical and treatment issues for victims and perpetrators.