| How domestic violence in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and/or questioning relationships is the same as heterosexual relationships: ~ No one deserves to be abused. ~ abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological. It can ~ abuse often occurs in a cyclical pattern. ~ the purpose of the abuse is to maintain control and power over
a ~ the abused partner feels alone, isolated and afraid. S/he is usually convinced that the abuse is somehow his or her fault, and that the abuse could have been avoided if s/he knew what to do.
|
| How are things the same? How are they different? For members of the GBLTQ community? |
| To contact us: |
| Ofecina: 970-247-4374 La Linea 970-247-9619 |
| How domestic violence
is experienced differently in GLBT ~ glbtq people who have been 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 glbtq relationship can reinforce the myth that many believe that glbtq people are "sick". ~glbtq victim/survivors may not know others who are glbtq; leaving the abuse could mean total isolation. ~ utilizing existing services (shelter, support groups, crisis lines) means lying about the relationship or coming out to strangers. If glbtq survivors reveal their sexual orientation it may mean revictimization by the people who are supposed to help. If service providers and others are not discreet with the information about sexual orientation, it could mean loss of housing, jobs, child custody, etc. |