Domestic Violence Among Gay Couples Is a "Hidden Menace"

That was the conclusion arrived at during a conference in Manchester, England on Friday. This from the (London) Times:


Violent domestic abuse is as common and as severe among gay and lesbian couples as among heterosexuals, a conference in Manchester was told yesterday.

Same-sex abuse has largely been a hidden menace because many homosexual men and women are fearful of reporting incidents to police or mainstream support organisations.


But research suggests that a greater percentage of gays and lesbians are living in fear of an abusive and dominant partner than previously thought.


Greater Manchester Police urged those suffering abuse in same-sex relationships to report their abusers to the authorities and made a public pledge to deal seriously and swiftly with complaints.


The conference, organised by the Greater Manchester Police Lesbian and Gay Staff Affiliation, and staged a stone’s throw from the city’s famous canal-side gay village, was opened by Michael Todd, the force’s Chief Constable.


There is no reason I can think of to conclude that the problem is any less serious on our side of the pond, but there are many parts of the United States where a victim of same-sex domestic abuse would only invite more trouble by seeking legal assistance.


As equal rights for the GLBT community becomes the standard instead of the exception, hopefully that will change for the better.


Thanks to PageOneQ for the tip.