Disparities in Reporting Between Traditional and Same Sex Couples - Research Paper Example

Report: Disparities in reporting between traditional and same-sex couples. Table of Contents Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………3 Intimate Partner Violence……………………………………………………………………….3 Reporting Intimate Partner Violence…………..……………………………………………….4 Reporting Intimate Partner Violence by Same-Sex Couples……………………………….....5 Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………...…8 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………..…9 References…………………………………………………………………………………….....10 Introduction Violence against women is a huge problem in our society, and yet it still persists. The most common of the many forms of violence inflicted upon women is intimate partner violence. However, this form of violence does not only happen in heterosexual relationships. The incidence of intimate partner violence has increased in same sex couples too. It is very hard for a victim to admit that he/she is facing such violence and is in an abusive relationship. While, it is difficult for female victims of heterosexual intimate partner violence to report such incidents, it becomes even more of a challenge for gay/lesbian victims to report such victimization. In this paper we discuss in detail about intimate partner violence and why it becomes more difficult for same-sex couples to report such crimes. Intimate Partner Violence An intimate partner can be defined as a current/former spouse or a current/former boy/girlfriend. Intimate partner violence may include: Physical abuse i.e. various acts of aggression, Psychological or emotional abuse, Various forms of sexual coercion, Controlling behavior like isolation or controlling a victim’s money, time, shelter etc. Intimate partner violence has various immediate and long-term health and other psychological effects on the victim. It is extremely important to get help regarding such a situation and report it to the concerned people. Reporting Intimate Partner Violence It is very difficult for a victim to admit and then report such violence. Reporting this form of violence becomes even more complex because it includes one’s spouse or boyfriend (girlfriend), family, and various other reasons linked to the family. Many women are so dependent on their spouses that they don’t even admit that they are in an abusive relationship. They accept it sometimes for the sake of their kids, their family and sometimes because they have little or no money to support themselves. Many who admit and understand that they are in such a relationship still fail to report it for the same reasons. Other reasons why women would not report such a relationship or seek help are: Being ashamed of letting anyone know the trauma that they are going through. It’s extremely natural to be ashamed of such a situation. Being scared of their intimate partner that he/she’s going to hurt them even more if she took such a step. Being scared of what consequences the kids or she will go through as a result. Being scared of facing rejection from the society. Other than these factors, many victims may take help from a friend or someone but are reluctant to inform the matter to the police. Sometimes they are not sure whether the police would take the matter seriously or not or whether the act to be reported would be considered by the police as a crime or not. Many are also afraid that the ineffectiveness or biased attitude of the police would harm their situation rather than improving it (Rennison & Welchans, 2000). So we see that victims of intimate partner violence in a heterosexual relationship are reluctant to report the problem. However, many shelters, support groups, individual counseling and legal help are also available to address this matter. This problem is being worked upon and in recent years the trends are changing. The reluctance still persists, but the percentage has declined. Female victims are becoming more aware and are coming forward to find a solution for their problem and lead a better life. Reporting Intimate Partner Violence by Same-Sex Couples While intimate partner violence against females in a heterosexual relationship is an extremely common problem, violence against men/women in same-sex relationships has also increased. It is found by a study that intimate partner violence is more common among male gay couples as compared to heterosexual couples, and is less common among lesbian couples than heterosexual ones. Gender and power are the major factors in such partner violence (Anderson, 2005).So, it has been found that more cases of intimate partner violence are found when it is initiated by men, whether against opposite-sex or same-sex partners (Tjaden, Thoennes & Allison, 1999). We don’t know more about intimate partner violence in same-sex relationships because it is not much talked about. Gay and lesbian couples are still a taboo in many places, and even if same-sex relationships are accepted, domestic violence against men/women in such a relationship is unheard of. Discussion of such violence in gay/lesbian relationships remains noticeably absent from mainstream media (Duthu, 1999). This is one of the reasons that such victims do not report violence. They think that the idea of a men being abused by a men in a relationship or a women being abused by another women would not be taken seriously and mocked by many. However, this is a reality that cannot be ignored and men and women are also being mis-treated in same-sex relationships. Being scared of the consequences, or being scared of their partner and all other reasons for not reporting by females in heterosexual relationships also apply to gay and lesbians not reporting such crimes. However, in this case, there are several other reasons why such victimization is not reported. They are: One of the most important reasons why gay/lesbian victims of intimate partner violence would not report such a situation is the fear of disclosing the fact that they are gay or lesbian, respectively. In many places, such same-sex relationships have not gained acceptance and it becomes almost impossible for victims to report such a case. Before facing the embarrassment of the abuse, they would have to face the discomfiture of accepting the fact that they are involved in same-sex relationship and are gay or lesbian. Accepting this fact may also cause some problems for them as per the rules of the place they are living in which is different for each state. Another reason for not reporting crimes is the discrimination, irrational fear and hatred of gay/lesbians (Rose, 2002). Even if such relationships are present and acknowledged, they are not necessarily accepted by many. Many community members, activists and even victims deny the extent of such violence for the fear of enforcing negative stereotypes (Renzetti & Miley, 1996). In such a case, victims are afraid to report such incidences because they fear that their problem would not be addressed or taken seriously. They are worried that they would be denied help by the concerned authorities and also by reporting and not getting help they would face more abuse and increased problems in their relationship after reporting. Denial of the existence of such violence is not the only problem that victims face. Ignorance is another. Since, intimate partner violence is not much talked about amongst same-sex couples, many are unaware of the fact that this happens. This poses a huge problem for the victims. Admittance by a man being abused by another man and similarly for women in lesbian relationships becomes more difficult especially when people don’t believe or understand how such a thing could happen. A victim can take support from the lesbian, bi and gay community but in many cases that also becomes a problem for them. These communities often do not support the victims because of the constant criticism faced by such communities on the existence of such relationships. Hence, they want to maintain that there are no problems in these relationships and the most important support of the victim is also turned against them. So we see that the plight of the victims of intimate partner violence in same-sex relationships is much greater as compared to those victims in a heterosexual relationship. They don’t have to face just the presence of domestic abuse in their lives and reporting them. They also have to deal with the problems regarding the reporting of such crimes with their particular identity which is not acceptable by many. Discussion Intimate partner violence is prevalent and not only against females by male partners. It is not commonly discussed but this problem persists in same-sex relationships as well. Although the nature of abuse is same in both situations, however, we see that the problems in reporting or getting help are different for both. Or it should be said that the problems multiply for victims of such abuse in same-sex relationships. Some of the differences that such victims face are as follows: Intimate partner violence against females in heterosexual relationships is a problem widely discussed and supported. Awareness is created about the problem and various support groups are there to help such victims. In such a case, these victims do not feel alone and gain more confidence when they feel that they have to report it. On the other hand, the same case of violence is denied in case of gay/lesbian victims in same-sex relationships and support offered is minimal. They even face problems in gathering support from their own community of gays and lesbians because they want to hide the situation even more so that the name of their community is not further criticized. In this situation, gay/lesbian victims feel further trapped in the relationship and more isolated than ever. Victims of such violence in heterosexual relationships are more likely to get support from various groups and even from the police and appropriate legal action would be taken against the male partner. However, in the case of gay/lesbian victims, they fear the fact that even if they report it to the police, they would not get fair or in many cases any kind of help from the police or other concerned authorities. Victims of abuse are going through a very rough time in their lives. They are suffering from emotional and physical trauma both. In such a severe situation, while victims in heterosexual relationships are offered sympathy and support, gay and lesbian victims have to go through a very hard time and suffer humiliation at many points about what and who they are and because of the violence they are facing by the same gender. Conclusion Hence, we conclude that intimate partner violence is a very serious form of violence with many physical and psychological effects. It is very hard on the victim to face such abuse, accept such abuse and then report or seek help for it. The situation for gay/lesbian victims for this violence becomes very different. Along with the violence, they have to face the problems of reporting based on their identity. This makes the situation worse for them. Abuse in any form and towards anyone is abuse, and should be treated equally. Awareness and help for such victims should also be worked on to make the plight of such victims easier. The increased rate of such abuse amongst gay and lesbian victims should be recognized by physical and mental health services that treat victims, so appropriate actions for these victims can also be taken (Burke & Follingstad, 1999). A major role in this regard can be played by gay and lesbian communities who should support their group and seek help and equality for them in such a severe situation of violence. References Anderson, K.L. (2005, June) Theorizing Gender in Intimate Partner Violence Research, Sex Roles, Volume 52, Numbers 11-12, 853-865. Burke, L. K. & Follingstad, D.R. (1999, August), Violence in lesbian and gay relationships: Theory, prevalence and correlational factors, Clinical Psychology Review, Volume 19, Issue 5, Pages 487-512. Duthu, K. F. (1999). Why Doesn’t Anyone Talk about Gay and Lesbian Domestic Violence, 18 T. Jefferson L. Rev. 23 Harvey Wallace and Cliff Roberson (1998, 2007, 2011). Victimology, Legal, Psychological and social perspective: Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Pearson Education, Inc. Rose, S. (2002), Lesbian love and Relationships, The Hawthorn Press, Inc. Rennison, C. M. & Welchans, S. (2000, May), Intimate Partner Violence. Bureau of Justice Statistics: Special Report. Renzetti, C.M., & Miley, C.H. (1996), Violence in gay and lesbian domestic partnerships. Binghamton, NY: Harrington Park Press. Tjaden, P., Thoennes, N. & Allison, C. J. (1999) Comparing Violence Over the Life Span in Samples of Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Cohabitants, Violence & Victims, Volume 14, Number 4, pp 413-425. Waldner-Haugrud, L. K., Gratch, L. V & Magruder, B. (1997), Victimization and Perpetration Rates of Violence in Gay and Lesbian Relationships: Gender Issues Explored, Violence & Victims, Volume 12, Number 2, pp 173-184. Waldner-Haugrud, L. K. (1999). Sexual coercion in lesbian and gay relationships: A review and critique. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 4(2), 139-149. 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