Abstract
We need to consider a multitude of factors when considering an act of violence perpetrated by one individual against another. What are the motives, feelings, beliefs, and attitudes of the perpetrator and victim? What is the sociocultural context of the violence? What are the positions of perpetrator and victim within that context? What are their histories with family, society, and one another that influence this act? In this chapter, we take up these questions with our focus narrowed to one type of violent act: intimate partner violence (IPV) within female same-sex relationships. We present a model to help us understand IPV in female same-sex couples (SSIPV) and to help us organize our review of the research literature on female SSIPV, including studies on the individual, relationship, and sociocultural factors that are related to its occurrence, its consequences, and its treatment and prevention. We find that while a great deal has been written about IPV between opposite-sex partners, there is less research literature on IPV between same-sex partners and even less on prevention or treatment for this population (Winstead et al., 2017). Furthermore, a quick overview of peer-reviewed articles in the past 3 years found two and a half times more articles about IPV in male same-sex relationships compared to female same-sex relationships. Nevertheless, increasing attention to understanding sexual minority experiences and in particular the phenomenon of female same-sex IPV provides theory and research that can advance our knowledge and contribute to efforts at prevention and intervention.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Alhusen, J. L., Lucea, M. B., & Glass, N. (2010). Perceptions of and experience with system responses to female same-sex intimate partner violence. Partner Abuse, 1, 443. https://doi.org/10.1891/1946-6560.1.4.443
Austin, S. B., Jun, H., Jackson, B., Spiegelman, D., Rich-Edwards, J., Corliss, H. L., et al. (2008). Disparities in child abuse victimization in lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual women in the nurses’ health study. Journal of Women’s Health, 17, 597–6006. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2007.0450
Badenes-Ribera, L., Frias-Navarro, D., Bonilla-Campos, A., Pons-Salvador, G., & Monterde-i-Bort, H. (2015). Intimate partner violence in self-identified lesbians: A meta-analysis of its prevalence. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 12, 47–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-014-0164-7
Baiocco, R., D’Alessio, M., & Laghi, F. (2010). Binge drinking among gay, and lesbian youths: The role of internalized sexual stigma, self-disclosure, and individuals’ sense of connectedness to the gay community. Addictive Behaviors, 35(10), 896–899. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2010.06.004
Balsam, K. F., & Szymanski, D. M. (2005). Relationship quality and domestic violence in women’s same-sex relationships: The role of minority stress. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 29, 258–269. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6402.2005.00220.x
Barrett, B. J., & St. Pierre, M. (2013). Intimate partner violence reported by lesbian-, gay-, and bisexual-identified individuals living in Canada: An exploration of within-group variations. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services: The Quarterly Journal of Community & Clinical Practice, 25(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538720.2013.751887
Basow, S. A., & Thompson, J. (2012). Service providers’ reactions to intimate partner violence as a function of victim sexual orientation and type of abuse. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 27, 1225–1241. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260511425241
Bimbi, D. S., Palmadessa, N. A., & Parsons, J. T. (2007). Substance use and domestic violence among urban gays, lesbians and bisexuals. Journal of LGBT Health Research, 3, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1300/J463v03n02_01
Bornstein, D. R., Fawcett, J., Sullivan, M., Senturia, K. D., & Shiu-Thornton, S. (2006). Understanding the experiences of lesbian, bisexual and trans survivors of domestic violence: A qualitative study. Journal of Homosexuality, 51, 159–181. https://doi.org/10.1300/J082v51n01_08
Brook, C. (2019). In North Carolina, domestic violence laws still discriminate against LGBTQ people. Retrieved from https://www.aclu.org/blog/lgbt-rights/lgbt-relationships/north-carolina-domestic-violence-laws-still-discriminate-against
Brown, M. J., & Groscup, J. (2009). Perceptions of same-sex domestic violence among crisis center staff. Journal of Family Violence, 24, 87–93. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-008-9212-5
Brown, N. T., & Herman, J. L. (2015). Intimate partner violence and sexual abuse among LGBT people. Report from the Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/research/violence-crime/intimate-partner-violence-and-sexual-abuse-among-lgbt-people/
Calton, J. M., Cattaneo, L. B., & Gebhard, K. T. (2016). Barriers to help seeking for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer survivors of intimate partner violence. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 17, 585–600. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838015585318
Carvalho, A., Lewis, R. J., Derlega, V. J., Winstead, B. A., & Viggiano, C. (2011). Internalized sexual minority stressors and same-sex intimate partner violence. Journal of Family Violence, 9, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-011-9384-2
Craft, S. M., Serovich, J. M., McKenry, P. C., & Lim, J.-Y. (2008). Stress, attachment style, and partner violence among same-sex couples. Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 4, 57–73. https://doi.org/10.1080/15504280802084456
Deschamps, M. J., Rothblum, E., Bradford, J., & Ryan, C. (2000). Mental health impact of child sexual abuse, rape, intimate partner violence, and hate crimes in the National Lesbian Health Care Survey. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 11, 27–55. https://doi.org/10.1300/J041v11n01_02
Doe V. State. 421 S.C. 490, 808 S.E.2d 807 (2017).
Eaton, L., Kaufman, M., Fuhrel, A., Cain, D., Cherry, C., Pope, H., et al. (2008). Examining factors co-existing with interpersonal violence in lesbian relationships. Journal of Family Violence, 23, 697–705. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-008-9194-3
Edwards, K., & Sylaska, K. (2013). The perpetration of intimate partner violence among lgbtq college youth: The role of minority stress. Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 42, 1721–1731. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-012-9880-6
Edwards, K. M., Sylaska, K. M., & Neal, A. M. (2015). Intimate partner violence among sexual minority populations: A critical review of the literature and agenda for future research. Psychology of Violence, 5, 112–121. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038656
Everett, B. G., Hatzenbuehler, M. L., & Hughes, T. L. (2016). The impact of civil union legislation on minority stress, depression, and hazardous drinking in a diverse sample of sexual-minority women: A quasi-natural experiment. Social Science & Medicine, 169, 180–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.09.036
Feinstein, B. A., Goldfried, M. R., & Davila, J. (2012). The relationship between experiences of discrimination and mental health among lesbians and gay men: An examination of internalized homonegativity and rejection sensitivity as potential mechanisms. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80, 917–927. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029425
Fortunata, B., & Kohn, C. S. (2003). Demographic, psychosocial, and personality characteristics of lesbian batterers. Violence and Victims, 18, 557–568. https://doi.org/10.1891/vivi.2003.18.5.557
Frost, D. M., Lehavot, K., & Meyer, I. H. (2013). Minority stress and physical health among sexual minority individuals. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 38, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-013-9523-8
Hardesty, J. L., Oswald, R. F., Khaw, L., & Fonseca, C. (2011). Lesbian/bisexual mothers and intimate partner violence: Help seeking in the context of social and legal vulnerability. Violence Against Women, 17, 28–46. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801209347636
Hatzenbuehler, M. L., & Bränström, R. (2018). Hidden from happiness: Structural stigma, sexual orientation concealment, and life satisfaction across 28 countries. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 86, 403–415. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000299
Hatzenbuehler, M. L., Bränström, R., & Pachankis, J. E. (2018). Societal-level explanations for reductions in sexual orientation mental health disparities: Results from a ten-year, population-based study in Sweden. Stigma and Health, 3, 16–26. https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000066
Hatzenbuehler, M. L., Jun, H.-J., Corliss, H. L., & Bryn Austin, S. (2015). Structural stigma and sexual orientation disparities in adolescent drug use. Addictive Behaviors, 46, 14–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.02.017
Hatzenbuehler, M. L., Keyes, K. M., & Hasin, D. S. (2009). Associations between perceived weight discrimination and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the general population. Obesity, 17, 2033–2039. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2009.131
Hatzenbuehler, M. L., & Link, B. G. (2014). Introduction to the special issue on structural stigma and health. Social Science & Medicine, 103, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.12.017
Hatzenbuehler, M. L., McLaughlin, K. A., Keyes, K. M., & Hasin, D. S. (2010). The impact of institutional discrimination on psychiatric disorders in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: A prospective study. American Journal of Public Health, 100, 452–459. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2009.168815
Hatzenbuehler, M. L., Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Dovidio, J. (2009). How does stigma “get under the skin”? The mediating role of emotion regulation. Psychological Science, 20, 1282–1289. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2009.02441.x
Herek, G. M. (2007). Confronting sexual stigma and prejudice: Theory and practice. Journal of Social Issues, 63, 905–925. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.2007.00544.x
Herek, G. M. (2009). Hate crimes and stigma-related experiences among sexual minority adults in the United States: Prevalence estimates from a national probability sample. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 24, 54–74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260508316477
Herek, G. M., Gillis, J. R., & Cogan, J. C. (2015). Internalized stigma among sexual minority adults: Insights from a social psychological perspective. Stigma and Health, 1(S), 18–34. https://doi.org/10.1037/2376-6972.1.S.18
Jory, B., Anderson, D., & Greer, C. (1997). Intimate justice: Confronting issues of accountability, respect, and freedom in treatment for abuse and violence. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 23, 399–419. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.1997.tb01053.x
Katz-Wise, S. L., & Hyde, J. S. (2012). Victimization experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals: A meta-analysis. Journal of Sex Research, 49, 142–167. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2011.637247
Kelly, B. C., Izienicki, H., Bimbi, D. S., & Parsons, J. T. (2011). The intersection of mutual partner violence and substance use among urban gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. Deviant Behavior, 32, 379–404. https://doi.org/10.1080/01639621003800158
Kernsmith, P. (2005). Treating perpetrators of domestic violence: Gender differences in the applicability of the theory of planned behavior. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 52, 757–770. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-005-4197-5
Lehavot, K., & Simoni, J. M. (2011). The impact of minority stress on mental health and substance use among sexual minority women. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79, 159–170. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022839
Lewis, R. J., Derlega, V. J., Berndt, A., Morris, L. M., & Rose, S. (2001). An empirical analysis of stressors for gay men and lesbians. Journal of Homosexuality, 42, 63–88. https://doi.org/10.1300/J082v42n01_04
Lewis, R. J., Mason, T. B., Winstead, B. A., & Kelley, M. L. (2017). Empirical investigation of a model of sexual-minority specific and general risk factors for intimate partner violence among lesbian women. Psychology of Violence, 7, 110–119. https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000036
Lewis, R. J., Mason, T. B., Winstead, B. A., & Lau-Barraco, C. (2017). Social factors linking stigma-related stress with alcohol use among lesbians. Journal of Social Issues, 73, 545–562. https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12231
Lewis, R. J., Milletich, R. J., Derlega, V. J., & Padilla, M. A. (2014). Sexual minority stressors and psychological aggression in lesbian women’s intimate relationships: The mediating roles of rumination and relationship satisfaction. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 38, 535–550. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361684313517866
Lewis, R. J., Padilla, M. A., Milletich, R. J., Kelley, M. L., Winstead, B. A., Lau-Barraco, C., & Mason, T. B. (2015). Emotional distress, alcohol use, and bidirectional partner violence among lesbian women. Violence Against Women, 21(8), 917–938.
Longobardi, C., & Badenes-Ribera, L. (2017). Intimate partner violence in same-sex relationships and the role of sexual minority stressors: A systematic review of the past 10 years. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26, 2039–2049. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-017-0734-4
Marcus, R. F. (2012). Patterns of intimate partner violence in young adult couples: Nonviolent, unilaterally violent, and mutually violent couples. Violence and Victims, 27, 299–314. https://doi.org/10.1891/0886-6708.27.3.299
McCabe, S. E., Bostwick, W. B., Hughes, T. L., West, B. T., & Boyd, C. J. (2010). The relationship between discrimination and substance use disorders among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 100, 1946–1952. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2009.163147
McKenry, P. C., Serovich, J. M., Mason, T. L., & Mosack, K. (2006). Perpetration of gay and lesbian partner violence: A disempowerment perspective. Journal of Family Violence, 21, 233–243. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-006-9020-8
McLaughlin, K. A., Hatzenbuehler, M. L., & Keyes, K. M. (2010). Responses to discrimination and psychiatric disorders among black, Hispanic, female, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. American Journal of Public Health, 100, 1477–1484. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2009.181586
Messinger, A. M. (2011). Invisible victims: Same-sex IPV in the National Violence against Women Survey. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 26, 2228–2243. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260510383023
Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129, 674–697. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674
Murray, C. E., Mobley, A. K., Buford, A. P., & Seaman-DeJohn, M. M. (2007). Same-sex intimate partner violence. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 1, 7–30. https://doi.org/10.1300/J462v01n04_03
New Orleans Bar Association. (2017). United against domestic violence [PDF file]. Retrieved from http://www.neworleansbar.org/uploads/files/Domestic%20Violence%20Handout% 2012_19_17.pdf
Newcomb, M. E., & Mustanski, B. (2011). Moderators of the relationship between internalized homophobia and risky sexual behavior in men who have sex with men: A meta-analysis. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 40, 189–199. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-009-9573-8
Otis, M. D., Rostosky, S. S., Riggle, E. D. B., & Hamrin, R. (2006). Stress and relationship quality in same-sex couples. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 23, 81–99. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407506060179
Pachankis, J. E. (2007). The psychological implications of concealing a stigma: A cognitive-affective-behavioral model. Psychological Bulletin, 133, 328–345. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.133.2.328
Pachankis, J. E., & Bränström, R. (2018). Hidden from happiness: Structural stigma, sexual orientation concealment, and life satisfaction across 28 countries. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 86, 403–415. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000299
Pattavina, A., Hirschel, D., Buzawa, E., Faggiani, D., & Bentley, H. (2007). A comparison of the police response to heterosexual versus same-sex intimate partner violence. Violence Against Women, 13, 374–394. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801207299206
Peterman, L. M., & Dixon, C. G. (2003). Domestic violence between same-sex partners: Implications for counseling. Journal of Counseling & Development, 81, 40–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6678.2003.tb00223.x
Poorman, P. B., Seelau, E. P., & Seelau, S. M. (2003). Perceptions of domestic abuse in same-sex relationships and implications for criminal justice and mental health responses. Violence and Victims, 18, 659–669. https://doi.org/10.1891/vivi.2003.18.6.659
Roberts, A. L., Austin, S. B., Corliss, H. L., Vandermorris, A. K., & Koenen, K. C. (2010). Pervasive trauma exposure among US sexual orientation minority adults and risk of posttraumatic stress disorder. Research and Practice, 100, 2433–2441. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2009.168971
Russell, B., & Sturgeon, J. A. D. (2018). Police evaluations of intimate partner violence in heterosexual and same-sex relationships: Do experience and training play a role? Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-018-9279-8
Seelau, E. P., Seelau, S. M., & Poorman, P. B. (2003). Gender and role-based perceptions of domestic abuse: Does sexual orientation matter? Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 21, 199–214. https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.524
Straus, M. A. (2015). Dyadic concordance and discordance in family violence: A powerful and practical approach to research and practice. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 24, 83–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2015.04.011
Straus, M. A., Hamby, S. L., Boney-McCoy, S., & Sugarman, D. B. (1996). The revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2): Development and preliminary psychometric data. Journal of Family Issues, 17, 283–316. https://doi.org/10.1177/019251396017003001
Szymanski, D. M., & Kashubeck-West, S. (2008). Mediators of the relationships between internalized oppression and lesbian and bisexual women’s psychological distress. The Counseling Psychologist, 36, 575–594. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000007309490
Turell, S. C., & Herrmann, M. M. (2008). “Family” support for family violence: Exploring community support systems for lesbian and bisexual women who have experienced abuse. Journal of Lesbian Studies, 12, 211–224. https://doi.org/10.1080/10894160802161372
Twenge, J. M., Sherman, R. A., & Wells, B. E. (2016). Changes in American adults’ reported same-sex sexual experiences and attitudes, 1973–2014. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 45, 1713–1730. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0769-4
Walters, M. L. (2011). Straighten up and act like a lady: A qualitative study of lesbian survivors of intimate partner violence. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 23, 250–270. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538720.2011.559148
Walters, M. L., Chen, J., & Breiding, M. J. (2013). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 findings on victimization by sexual orientation. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Whitaker, D. J., Haileyesus, T., Swahn, M., & Saltzman, L. S. (2007). Differences in frequency of violence and reported injury between relationships with reciprocal and nonreciprocal intimate partner violence. American Journal of Public Health, 97, 941–947. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2005.079020
Williamson, I. R. (2000). Internalized homophobia and health issues affecting lesbians and gay men. Health Education Research, 15, 97–107. https://doi.org/10.1093/her/15.1.97
Winstead, B. A., Hitson, P. T., Bronson, B., Bolanos, A., & Lewis, R. J. (2018, August). Unidirectional and bidirectional intimate partner violence in lesbian couples. Poster session presented at the 2018 meeting of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA.
Winstead, B. A., Lewis, R. J., Kelley, M. L., Mason, T. B., Calhoun, D. M., & Fitzgerald, H. N. (2017). Intervention for violence and aggression in gay and lesbian relationships. In P. Sturmey (Ed.), The Wiley handbook on violence and aggression (Vol. 2, pp. 1–13). New York: Wiley.
Wise, A. J., & Bowman, S. L. (1997). Comparison of beginning counselors’ responses to lesbian vs. heterosexual partner abuse. Violence and Victims, 12, 127–135. https://doi.org/10.1891/0886-6708.12.2.127
Woodford, M. R., Kulick, A., Garvey, J. C., Sinco, B. R., & Hong, J. S. (2018). LGBTQ policies and resources on campus and the experiences and psychological well-being of sexual minority college students: Advancing research on structural inclusion. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 5, 445–456. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000289
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2021 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Winstead, B.A., Shappie, A.T., Dawson, C.A. (2021). Intimate Partner Violence in Women’s Same-Sex Relationships. In: Lund, E.M., Burgess, C., Johnson, A.J. (eds) Violence Against LGBTQ+ Persons. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52612-2_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52612-2_9
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-52611-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-52612-2
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyBehavioral Science and Psychology (R0)