Domestic abuse in the LGBT community do not get much attention from the public. Heterosexual relationships have historically been the primary focus of the domestic violence awareness movement. However, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 26% of gay men and nearly 44% of lesbians report experiencing physical violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. The percentages are even higher for bisexual men and women.
It can be difficult for LGBT individuals to seek help for domestic violence. They may worry that they will not receive adequate support from law enforcement or perceive pressure not to cast a negative light on their community. Abusive partners in LGBT relationships are aware of the social stigma still present and leverage it to their advantage. WebMD describes some elements of domestic abuse unique to the LGBT community.
Threats of outing
Some LGBT individuals get involved in relationships before they reveal their sexual orientation and/or gender identity to family, friends, employers, etc. An abusive partner may use threats of outing the individual as a way to prevent the individual from reporting the abuse.
Making excuses
Sometimes the partner on the receiving end of the abuse is less experienced in LGBT relationships than the abusive partner. The abusive partner can take advantage of the other individual’s relative inexperience by saying that the behavior to which the individual objects is normal.
Questioning identity
Sexual orientation and identity is a personal matter that an individual discovers for oneself. An abusive partner may try to exert control by telling the individual that their stated identity is not accurate. The goal may be to encourage dependence on the abusive partner by creating self-doubt in the individual.
