University of Sunderland University of BRISTOL Comparing Domestic Abuse in Same Sex and Heterosexual Relationships Catherine Donovan, Marianne Hester, Jonathan Holmes & Melanie McCarry November 2006 Initial report from a study funded by the Economic & Social Research Council, Award No. RES-000-23-0650
Domestic Abuse in Same Sex & Heterosexual Relationships - Donovan, Hester, Holmes & McCarry Background This report outlines initial findings from the most detailed UK research on same sex domestic abuse and first study in the UK to directly compare domestic abuse in same sex and heterosexual relationships. The research sought to increase knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse in same sex relationships and experiences of help-seeking via the criminal justice system and other agencies. It also aimed to examine similarities and differences regarding domestic abuse across same sex and heterosexual relationships, including how 'narratives of love' might be used across these contexts to make sense of violence in intimate relationships. The research was carried out between January 2005 and November 2006, and was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. It was informed by an Advisory Group consisting of representatives from Broken Rainbow, the Northern Rock Foundation, Northumbria Probation Service, University of Portsmouth Equalities Unit, Central Manchester Women's Aid, Glasgow Women's Library, Scottish Equality Network, Stonewall Cymru and Devon and Cornwall Police. While domestic abuse in heterosexual relationships has been of increasing public concern in the UK since the 1970s, domestic abuse in same sex communities has only more recently become apparent. A number of factors may be seen to have contributed to the greater invisibility of same sex domestic abuse, including fears of making obvious such problems within communities already considered 'problematic' in a homophobic society. In the UK there has been a small number of local or national surveys and other research regarding same sex domestic abuse. The Sigma surveys of gay men and lesbians (Henderson 2003)' found that one in four individuals in same sex relationships probably experience domestic abuse at some time - similar to figures for heterosexual domestic abuse against women. The Government has also acknowledged that domestic violence takes place in same sex relationships and definitions and polices have begun to reflect this. The most recent Home Office definition of domestic violence specifically includes same sex relationships, and the Domestic 1 Henderson, L. (2003) Prevalence of Domestic Violence among Lesbians and Gay Men: Data report to Flame TV. London: Sigma Research. 2 The Home Office definition is as follows: Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or who have been 2
Domestic Abuse in Same Sex & Heterosexual Relationships - Donovan, Hester, Holmes & McCarry Violence, Crime & Victims Act 2004 has extended the availability of injunctions against domestically violent perpetrators to same sex couples. Several community and joint community and police projects have also been set up to raise awareness and provide some support to same sex victims/survivors of domestic abuse. The research In order to provide a