Rape and Intimate Partner Abuse In The Lesbian Community

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Recommended: Homosexuality from a sociological perspective

In every 45 seconds, someone is sexually violated in the United States. Out of every 6 women, one has experienced an attempted rape or complete rape. Lesbians and bisexual women remain at increased risk of sexual victimization compared to heterosexual women. In order for a woman to determine the direction of her life, she must first determine her sexuality. Sexuality is a deep, integral part of any human’s life. This should not be a subject of coercion or debate. The society must recognize that a woman has the right to freely pre-determine her sexuality without oppression and discrimination (Burn, 2004). Traditionally, women throughout history and culture have undertaken the role of independent, non-heterosexual, women-connected existence. Lesbianism according to ancient literature review has always existed. The practice has always been unacceptable and deviant. Lesbians are subjected to rape more often than other women. Worldwide, lesbians are subjected to verbal and physical abuse.

In most cultures, lesbianism occurs prior to heterosexual marriages. These facts were gathered by Faderman in 1981. Female-female romantic relationships were found in European communities since the 17th century through the early 20th century after studying the fiction and poetry written during this period (Burn, 2004). Today, many societies view bisexuality and homosexuality as a sickness. The societies deny their existence entirely. However, biologists and psychologists believe that both are mere instances of many human variations. After successful lobbying by gay and lesbian political organizations in 1974, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) eliminated homosexuality from its list of mental disorder. The APA now takes the position that homos...

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...(2010). External Barriers to Help-Seeking Encountered by Canadian Gay and Lesbian Victims of Intimate Partner Abuse: An Application of the Barriers Model. Violence and Victims, Vol. 25(4), 536-552.

Pinto, S. (2012). Intimate Partner Violence: Sexual Abuse. CINHAL Nursing Guide. 1-2.

Renzetti, C. M. (1996). The Poverty of Services for Battered Lesbians. Journal of gay and Lesbian Social Services, Vol. 4, pp 61-68.

Tigert, L. M. (2001). The Power of Shame: Lesbian Battering as a Manifestation of Homophobia. Women & Therapy, Vol. 23, pp 73-85.

Walters, M. L. (2011). Straighten up and Act Like a Lady: A Qualitative Study of Lesbian Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Service. Vol. 23, pp 250-270.

West, C. M. (2002). Lesbian Intimate Partner Violence: Prevalence and Dynamics. Journal of Lesbian Studies, Vol. 6(1), pp 121-127.

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