The Occurrence of Domestic Violence in the Gay and Lesbian...

Domestic violence, also referred to as intimate partner violence, intimate partner abuse or domestic abuse, affects over one million people in the United States alone. It can be carried out in any number of ways including physically, emotionally, sexually, psychologically and/or financially. Its legal definition considers it to be â€Å"any assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, or any criminal offense resulting in physically injury or death of one family member or household member by another who is residing in the same single dwelling unit† (Brown, 2008). In the United States it is considered a major health problem so much so that it was declared the number one health concern by the U.S. Surgeon General in 1992 (Peterman Dixon,†¦show more content†¦They fought tirelessly and diligently advocating for women of domestic violence who, up until then, were left with no option but to endure the abuse. It started as a grassroots effort implemented mainly by feminists who used the defense of patriarchy to further their cause. Today, it has grown to become an organized and influential group of advocates made up of powerful and dedicated women who have lobbied and won legislative reforms criminalizing domestic violence. Through their efforts, mandatory arrest policies and civil protections such as restraining orders have become commonplace in addressing cases of domestic abuse (Grauwiler Mills, 2004). Despite these positive accomplishments, however, their reliance on patriarchy as a defense has led domestic violence to be viewed as a women’s issue when in fact it is not. Domestic violence is a universal problem. It can happen to anyone. For instance, the occurrence of domestic violence within the gay and lesbian population occurs at a rate comparable to that of the heterosexual community. Not only are prevalence rates similar, batterers and victims share the same qualities as well. There is no â€Å"typical† batterer. They may come from all walks of life. Abusers may be poor, rich, differ in race and religion; they may have been witnesses to abuse during their childhood or they may have grown up in a non-violent home. They may be gay, straight or bisexual but, regardless of sexualShow MoreRelatedDomestic Violence Occurrences in Same Sex Relationships1346 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Domestic Violence Abstract In this paper, I have discussed domestic violence occurrence in same sex relationships. I have assessed the reasons and consequences of domestic violence in such homosexual partnerships. I have also provided a comparison of the findings with that in heterosexual relationships. In the end, I have given my opinion about what should be done to avoid this brutal crime. Domestic violence is initiated when the pattern of violent behaviors in an individual tries to controlRead MoreDomestic Violence in the United States1516 Words   |  7 PagesDomestic violence affects a large amount of relationships in the United States each year. As the times have changed, abuse has become less accepted as a normal occurrence, and society has begun working together to provide awareness towards violence in intimate partner relationships. â€Å"Problems of family violence are potentially the most destructive in our society† (Kurland 23). Domestic violence is a problem that begins in the home, and spreads to affect the world around it. Violence is present inRead More Rape and Intimate Partner Abuse In The Lesbian Community Essay examples1577 Words   |  7 PagesIn every 45 seconds, someone is sexually violated in the United States. Out of every 6 women, one has experienced an attempted rape or complete rape. 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The society must recognize that aRead MoreRelation Between Traditional And Modern Societies Essay1199 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction: According to family violence clearinghouse, intimate partner violence consists of physical and sexual violence, emotional abuse, intimidation, harassment, economic abuse damage to property and threats or sexual abuse towards an intimate partner. Whilst intimate partner is defined as spouses, co-habiting partners, dating partners, boyfriend/girlfriend and separated or divorced partners. (Rayner-Thomas, Fanslow, Dixon, 2014, p. 4) Sociologist, Emile Durkheim was well-known for his understandingRead MoreIntroduction. Domestic Violence Is A Serious Issue Affecting1386 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Domestic Violence is a serious issue affecting women all over the world today. Domestic Violence transpires when a current intimate partner decides to exercise dominance in a relationship through means of psychological, physical and sexual abuse towards the victim. This type of abuse often leads to emotional and or physical trauma. Domestic Violence is not only physical or sexual other forms of domestic violence exist such as stalking and dating violence. It is a problem without limitsRead MoreEssay on Same Sex Couples Adoption Rights2243 Words   |  9 Pagesmany children who need loving parents to deny one group of people adoption rights (eQuality, 2005). A child will benefit from a healthy, loving home, whether the parents are gay or not (eQuality, 2005). With that statement in 2008 from the individual who holds the most powerful authority in the United States, why are gay and lesbian couples today still battling adoption laws? When in fact while trying to adopt and raise childre n a couple’s sexual orientation should not be a factor. Homosexuals shouldRead MoreFried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafe1638 Words   |  7 PagesGreen Tomatoes, capture the significance of Christianity as well (Dvorak 99). Flagg grew up in a Christian home, yet she escaped it when she moved out to California. While she was writing her novel, there were multiple impacts within her religious community. According to Novels for Students, in the 1980’s , Christian fundamentalist movement challenged many of the social changes made in the 1950s and 1960s. Schools were forced to teach the biblical story of creation as an alternative to evolution (StanleyRead MoreEssay The Matthew Shepard Event3985 Words   |  16 Pagessystems and territory contest violently. Gay bodies become entangled in violence when they enter into arenas that combat certain ideas. Gay bashing illustrates incidences all in which bodies experience physical injury. In modern U.S. communities var ious militant conservatives individually target homosexuals in gay bashing. Though few conservative political groups explicitly avow targeting gays for physical violence, their members individually carry out anti-gay brutality. Mathew Shepards brutal murderRead MoreInjustices Of Lgbtq People Within The Foster System2124 Words   |  9 Pagestreatment because of their sexual orientation at school, they lack focus and do not often want to continue going. About two-thirds of children admitted to public care have experienced abuse and neglect, and many have potentially been exposed to domestic violence, parental mental illness and substance abuse† (Dregan and Gulliford). This is why teacher and counselors play a very important role is reassuring children that school is a safe place and they should feel protected. This study was made to show