Intimate partner violence in same-sex versus heterosexual couples and by female versus male aggressors

Intimate partner violence (IPV) presents a serious problem for both the heterosexual and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) populations, although it is difficult to get a clear picture of exactly how much of an effect IPV has on the GLBT population. There is a void in the knowledge base of IPV in the GLBT community. IPV is referred to as a phenomenon exclusive to heterosexual women (P. Letellier, "Gay and Bisexual Male Domestic Violence Victimization: Challenges to Feminist Theory and Responses to Violence," 1994). There is a theoretical base founded in late 1960s and early 1970s feminist theory that suggest that women are victims of IPV (G. S. Merrill, "Understanding Domestic Violence Among Gay and Bisexual Men," 1998). This study investigated the frequencies with which psychologists in the states of Tennessee and Arkansas identify IPV in same-sex couples and the frequency with which they identify IPV perpetrated by a female aggressor. A sample of 280 psychologists were administered a questionnaire describing 4 couples experiencing IPV. Data analyzed using chi-square showed no significant difference in the rate at which psychologists identified IPV in same-sex relationships versus heterosexual relationships. Implications for practitioners working with gay men and lesbians experiencing partner violence are discussed.