Essay On Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate-partner violence is a crime that is affecting every sector of society, whether it involves same-sex, or heterosexual relationships. Intimate -partner violence does not discriminate against sexual orientation, religion, age, socio economic, educational levels, and ethnicity. The majority of domestic violence or intimate partner violence for many years involved only married women of heterosexual relationships, omitting couples whom were not married, ex-spouses, and dating. The phenomenon of intimate partner violence whether in heterosexual or same-sex relationships is a path of dominance and control which is often accompanied by abusive behavior and power. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (as cited in Loveland & Raghavan
2014) defines intimate partner violence as physical, sexual, or psychological harm caused by a current or former spouse or partner (p.51). In the United States many states have amended their domestic violence status by incorporating gender-neutral language (Sullivan & Kuehnle 2008).

The domestic violence cases involving same-sex partner violence have been in the shadows for decades. Same sex intimate partner abuse can be just as invasive as that which is experienced by heterosexual couples. According to Kuehne and Sullivan (2008), the purpose in this chapter is to demonstrate that intimate partner violence in same-sex relationships is a serious social problem while simultaneously dispelling the myths surrounding its occurrence (p.37-48).

Many victims of same-sex partner violence may be reluctant to come forward and seek assistance fearing discrimination, limited legal rights, being further victimized, and traumatized by the judicial system.
Many people that have a sexual preference for same-sex relationships make a conscious decision to conceal their sexual orientation (family, employers, church, friends, etc.) in fear of negative consequences related to sexual minority status, and the likelihood of being rejected by others (especially love ones). According to Kuehne, and Sullivan (2008), victims of same-sex interpersonal violence may be further traumatized by the legal system’s handing of their case and therefore may be unwilling to report a future incident of abuse
(p.44).

Intimate-partner in same-sex and heterosexual relationships violence has become a serious health problem resulting in short and long-term physical, emotional, and mental health problems (substance abuse, depression, sexually transmitted diseases, chronic pain syndrome, hypertension, and suicidal behavior).

Physical abuse in intimate-partner violence in heterosexual or same-sex relationships is very serious because it can involve physical attacks, and aggressive behaviors.
Intimate-partner violence tends to happen in cycles escalating slowly from verbal abuse, to threats, to reconciliation, to acts of violence, and finally death. The majority of the victims would rather be hit occasionally in private, than routinely and systematically verbally humiliated in front of family and friends. Physical abuse victims suffer from isolation by being kept away from friends and activities in response to the jealous insistence of the perpetrators. Same sex- intimate-partner victims are economically dependent on the perpetrator are less likely to leave, resulting in increased access to victims. Perpetrators usually actively seek their victims who are economically dependent to increase their ability to control the victim’s
behavior.

Psychological battering in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships can include constant verbal abuse such as yelling, name-calling, blaming, and shaming. Many perpetrators batter their victims by excessive passiveness controlling behavior, intimidation, lack of economic resources, and isolation from friends, and family. The emotional stress can lead to anxiety and depression, and make the victim feel helpless and alone. Emotional abuse is often minimized, because there are no visible marks, yet the invisible marks leave deep, lasting scars, and the effects can last a lifetime.

Sexual abuse in intimate-partner violence in same-sex and heterosexual relationships can be very traumatic. Many perpetrator’s force their victim’s to have sexual intercourse or take part in unwanted sexual activity (sex with others, sex after being brutally beaten, hurting the victim by using objects or weapons in uncomfortable ways, and witnessing sexual acts with others as a form of humiliation). Many victims experience overwhelming amounts of shame and humiliation making the situation difficult to talk about or share when the violence has been inflicted by a spouse or partner.

Victims of same-sex battering fear to report intimate-partner violence to the police in order to avoid further homophobia stigmatization. The NIBRS data in same-sex and heterosexual intimate-partner relationships only reflects those incidents that are reported to the police. Sullivan and Kuehnle (2008), currently in the United States federal law prohibits discrimination because of sexual orientation, only six states (Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania) specifically provide protection to victims of same-sex intimate-partner violence (p.44). Same-sex intimate-partners victims of violence and perpetrators should be provide with domestic violence services (shelters, counseling, and batterer’s programs).

In conclusion, same-sex intimate-partner violence is a serious as heterosexual intimate partner violence. Many people that are involved in same-sex intimate partner relationships die every day in the United States as a result of violence. There should be a coordinated effort (policymakers, police, society, family, friends, and the criminal justice professional) whether one believes or not in same-sex relationships to confront the myths that surround same-sex intimate partner violence.