LGBT Domestic Violence Fact Sheet
January 2005 | Center for American Progress
“"Research indicates that domestic violence among same-sex couples occurs at similar
rates as domestic violence among straight couples. Unfortunately, domestic violence
victims in same-sex relationships are not receiving the help they need. This is due to the
lack of legal recognition of same-sex relationships, law enforcement’s failure to identity
and properly handle domestic violence cases involving people of the same sex, and the
shortage of resources available to victims of same-sex partner domestic abuse."”
This is a short introduction to domestic violence among same-sex couples. It addresses how often it happens, the differences between heterosexual and same-sex domestic violence, challenges unique to same-sex couples, and possible policy solutions.