Domestic Violence in Lesbian Relationships

Abstract

Increasingly, therapists and researchers have focused attention on domestic violence in lesbian relationships. To date, however, most research has described the incidence and types of physical violence and abuse. The present study sought to explore predictors of domestic violence in lesbian relationships. Lesbian participants filled out a survey measuring physical violence and physical aggression as well as relational and personality variables. Results indicated that lesbians do report some degree of domestic violence, characterized more often by physical aggression than by physical violence. Physical aggression was best predicted by fusion, followed by self-esteem and independence. For physical violence, however, control was the most important predictor, followed by independence, self-esteem and fusion. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Key Words:

• Battering
• domestic violence
• fusion
• lesbians
• violence
• lesbian relationships