In other ways, however, violence in same-gender relationships differs from violence in heterosexual relationships:

• Lesbians and gay men who have been abused have much more difficulty finding support.
• The isolation, that already accompanies being LGBT person in a society prejudiced against LGBT people, is compounded and made worse by domestic violence. The silence about domestic violence among LGBT people further isolates the victim/survivor as well as the perpetrator.
• Utilizing existing services may be tantamount to "coming out" which is a major life decision.

Support services and friends often minimize domestic violence:

• The battered women's movement avoids the fact that women can be as violent and dangerous as men.
• It is assumed that two men or two women in a fight constitutes a fight between equals.
• GBT men often reject the idea that they can be victims within their own community.
• LGBT people approach most shelters, social service agencies, and providers with great caution. Their fear of further victimization through minimizing or disregarding their circumstance remains, along with the fear of rejection and degradation.
• There are no residential shelter services for GBT men in Bellingham. Bellingham's LGBT community is small. Privacy is often difficult to maintain. In all likelihood both the survivor and the abuser may lose their privacy, be "outed" or become the subject of gossip.
• The risk of losing their children to third parties is even greater for lesbian and gay couples when domestic violence is involved.
• Victims may not be as financially dependent on their partners; and children may not be a consideration as often.

Information provided by Wingspan Domestic Violence Project, Tucson, Arizona (2000).

Same-gender battering and sexual violence is an issue everywhere, including here at Western. To find out more about this issue or to learn about available resources, call CASAS, Western's Crime And Sexual Assault Support Services. 650-3700.