Dynamics involved in gay and lesbian intimate partner abuse Essay

Dynamics involved in gay and lesbian intimate partner abuse - Essay Example The literature points out that the frequency of domestic violence in same-sex relationships has been equal to that in heterosexual relationships a hypothesis that stands a chance of being proven right or wrong. Domestic violence in same-sex relationships is in relation to same-gender relationships. Historically, the failure to evaluate the violence involved within same-sex relationships has been due to social stigma, discrimination, homophobia and gender based myths among other issues (Lundry and Leventhal, 1999). These issues provided a barrier which stops such incidences from being reported. It is so unfortunate how partners in these relationships have been suffering in silence due to the society’s ignorance. There are quite a number of issues which influence the response to domestic violence within a same sex relationship. These issues act as barriers in the way of reporting such incidences to the relevant authority such as the police. The first issue is the wall of silence. A common observation is that silence surrounds issues of domestic violence. People prefer to ignore rather than talk about the incidences. Bigne and Wetchler (2004) reveal that the incidences of domestic violence have for a long time been treated as a taboo among the lesbians and gays. This can be attributed to the denial of the problem such that victims resort to keeping quite. This is clearly the most effective way of promoting violence in the respective same-sex relationships. It is important to note two factors which contribute to the state of silence. Moriarty (2008) reveals that the privacy within such intimate relationships is one factor. This common realm of intimate relationships shuns external interference such that partners do not entertain intruders. The fact that these relationships are based on pillars of privacy, state regulation is quite difficult. Various governments find it difficult to get involved in to private businesses of its