Introduction
Domestic violence is a term used to refer to abusive behaviors experienced between intimate relationships either in a marriage, a relationship, in the family or while dating. One party is dominant and uses his/her power to abuse the other party causing emotional, physical or psychological damages. Violence can be expressed by use of intimidation, physical assault, isolation and giving threats to the other party. Same sex domestic violence is also experienced among people involved in relationships in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and the transsexual community (GLBT). The prevalence of domestic violence in the GLBT is on the rise and immediate action is to be taken before the situation gets out of control (Restock, 2005).
According to research done by NCADVA, an organization which intervenes in domestic violence related cases, about 30 to 40% cases of domestic violence is reported among the GLBT relationships. This is the same rate that is experienced in people having straight relationships. The high rate of violence experienced is a major concern among activists who fight for the rights of the GLBT. They argue that they are not protected by the law and therefore they are at a higher risk of exposure to this form of violence. The relationships are between human beings and they should be entitled to rights similar to people in heterosexual relationships (Pridenet, 2012).
Causes of Same- sex Domestic Violence
The quench for power and control is the leading cause of domestic violence. One partner tactfully maneuvers a way of gaining control over the other through; intimidation, blaming, physical abuse and emotional abuse. There is always one party who is oppressed and the other who is the one who uses their power to control the other. It may be difficult to identify the partner who is on the wrong. The oppressed partner may be the one who triggers the violence as a result of their attitude towards their partners. One out of every four cases of violence is as a result of arguments resulting from power control. The partners are always in constant arguments in line of power (Chan, 2005).
Financial problems and cheating are among the major causes of violence. When the responsibilities build up and the financial burden becomes overwhelming, the partners feel the strain and begin to have issues related to money. Failure to settle financial mattes early in a relationship cause the relationship to be strained and the parties start throwing the blame at each other. This results to domestic violence. Cheating is also a major cause of violence. The partner is bitter and will always find ways of hitting back at their partners and making them pay for the pain inflicted. The feeling of betrayal dies hard and thus makes the couple to have constant fights and arguments. This may end up being nasty (Chan, 2005).
Signs of an Abusive Partner
Resent research conducted in Columbia indicates 25% of the women raped and 7.6% of men raped had partners who displayed similar characteristics …