Exploring Violence and Abuse in Gay Male Relationships

Findings include the prominent similarities between heterosexual domestic violence and the perceptions of abuse experienced by the respondents in this study with respect to definitions of the situation, actual experiences and reasons for remaining in abusive relationships.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine gay male relationships where domestic violence was present. Qualitative data for this endeavor were collected by conducting in-depth interviews over an 8-month period with 25 men who self-identified both as homosexual and as victims or perpetrators of domestic violence. Implications are made throughout this piece for further research and analysis regarding gay male domestic violence. Findings include the prominent similarities between heterosexual domestic violence and the perceptions of abuse experienced by the respondents in this study with respect to definitions of the situation, actual experiences and reasons for remaining in abusive relationships. Additionally, the need for both family-based and community-based support services are documented.