Domestic violence in gay and lesbian relationships

The police, domestic violence services, LGBTI* organisations and other services all report that they are working with individuals who have experienced or are experiencing same sex domestic violence.

To date, there is limited Australian research that records the level of domestic violence in same-sex relationships. However, a number of overseas studies suggest that the general patterns and levels of domestic violence in same-sex relationships are about the same as in heterosexual relationships. These studies also show that once the violence starts it is likely to get worse.

*LGBTI - lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex.