Same-Sex Domestic Violence Myths

AARDVARC

8 Same-Sex Domestic Violence Myths

1. Only straight women get battered. Men are not victims of domestic violence, and women never batter.

2. Domestic violence is more common in straight relationships than it is in same-sex relationship

3. It really isn't violence when a same-sex couple fights. It's just a lover's quarrel, a fair fight between equals.

4. It isn't violence when gay men fight. It's boys being boys. A man should be able to defend himself.

5. The batterer is always bigger, stronger, more "butch", etc. Victims will always be smaller, weaker, more feminine.

6. Lesbian and gay domestic violence is sexual behavior, a version of S & M. The victim actually likes it.

7. The law does not and will not protect victims of same sex domestic violence.

8. It is easier for lesbian or gay victims to leave the abusive relationship than it is for heterosexual battered women who are married.

The rates of domestic violence in same-gender relationships is roughly the same as domestic violence against heterosexual women.