Lesbian Women
Abuse within a lesbian relationship
Abuse within a relationship can be a traumatic experience for anyone, but for lesbians or bisexual women there are additional issues which can increase the isolation and make it difficult to leave the relationship.
It has taken a long time and a lot of work, mainly within the women's movement, for society to adopt a 'zero tolerance' approach to domestic abuse. We understand the issue is about male power and a male dominated society endorsing aggressive and controlling behaviour from men in relationships. However, if this is the cause of domestic abuse, then why are we hearing about lesbians who have been abused by their partners, and what do we do about it?
Lesbians' sexuality impacts on their experience of abuse
Lesbians can face the same level of abuse as heterosexual women, but have additional issues related to their sexuality. An abusive partner can threaten to 'out' her to family, friends or within the workplace in order to prevent her from leaving, or to make her completely compliant to any demands. Sometimes the abuser will turn the situation around and claim she is the one being abused, confusing the support networks the abused partner may have.
Lesbians are reluctant to accept that abuse happens within their community, being particularly sensitive to criticism of their relationships from wider society, as a result of homophobia. This makes it difficult for women to admit they are being abused and to get support in helping them end the relationship. It may not be an option for her to go to family if they don't acknowledge or know about the relationship. Similarly, within the workplace, if the woman needs to take time off because of physical injuries or mental health issues as a result of the abuse, it can be difficult to admit that her female partner is abusing her.
L.I.P.S. (Lesbians In Peer Support)
L.I.P.S. (Lesbians In Peer Support) is a youth project for lesbians and bisexual women under 25 in the west of Scotland. The group tackled the issue of same sex abuse through a photography project and produced a series of four postcards which have been distributed widely to reach individuals and organisations. Copies of the postcards can be accessed free from L.I.P.S. at Glasgow Women's Library on 0141 552 8345
More information about organisations that can offer help and support
Support
Glasgow Women's Aid
0141 553 2022
Rape Crisis Centre
0141 552 3200
(Tel / Textphone)
National Domestic
Abuse Helpline
0800 027 1234
Women's Support Project
0141 552 2221
Wise Women
0141 550 7557
