In McMaster, K. and Wells, A (Eds.) (2003) Innovative approaches to stopping family violence. Wellington: Steele Roberts

This chapter examines the estimated prevalence of family violence in same-sex relationships, and the silence that surrounds it. Theories of same-sex violence are discussed in relation to the development of support services for victims and perpetrators of violence in same-sex relationships. Issues of homophobia and heterosexism and misconceptions about mutual abuse are also explored. The author notes the wide range in the reported prevalence rates of violence in homosexual and heterosexual relationships (between 17% and 52%) is partly explained by inconsistent definitions used by researchers. The author discuses the need for theories of same sex relationship violence to account for internalised and cultural homophobia. A theoretical model of lesbian battering is provided. The author concludes that there needs to be a comprehensive understanding of and willingness to challenge homophobia and heterosexism and the minimisation of same sex family violence. Follow the links to access this chapter and other chapters in Innovative approaches... Record #2151