LGBTQ Crime Victims Neglected by Nation's Victim Support System, Says Landmark Report Washington, DC---The National Center for Victims of Crime and the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs today released Why It Matters: Rethinking Victim Assistance for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Victims of Hate Violence and Intimate Partner Violence. This groundbreaking report, the product of a 2009 nationwide survey of mainstream victim assistance providers and anti-violence programs serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community, describes widespread gaps in victim services for LGBTQ victims of crime and recommends steps to improve both the services and their accessibility.... To read more of this press release click here

Same-sex relationships face domestic violence too

A recent article in the Natchez Democrat newspaper out of Mississippi discusses the fact that lesbians and gay men face domestic violence in their relationships just as heterosexuals do. Experts believe that the problem may be even more common in same-sex relationships. Domestic violence in same-sex relationships has many similarities to heterosexual violent relationships; the abuse can be physical, sexual and/or emotional and the purpose of the violence is for the abusive partner to have power and control over their partner. However, important differences exist between heterosexual and homosexual violent relationships. One key difference is that gays and lesbians have more difficulty finding appropriate support and services to help them to leave an abusive relationship. Some gays and lesbians may not be "out" about their sexual preferences to family, employers and others which makes seeking support extremely difficult for those individuals. Additionally, stereotypes and bigotry against homosexuals still do persist so many are reluctant to acknowledge social problems such as domestic violence within their community. Information and special services for gays and lesbians in violent relationships are becoming more abundant. To find out what services are available in your area go to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Program's website: http://www.ncavp.org/ To read the entire article go to: http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2008/aug/10/homosexuals-face-domestic-violence-too/