Domestic violence is a problem that those in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships experience at a roughly equal rate. They also tend to experience the same types of abuse such as stalking, sexual violence or emotional abuse. However, those who are in same-sex relationships may be less likely to contact Massachusetts authorities for fear that they won’t be taken seriously.
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence
Men can be victims of domestic violence perpetrated by either men or women, and women can also be victims of such acts perpetrated by other women or men. For instance, if you were struck by your lesbian partner, that would be considered domestic violence even though the incident involved two people of the same gender. However, some victims don’t come forward fearing that police won’t take their case seriously because they were harmed by someone of the same sex. Ultimately, they believe that authorities will simply consider the matter a spat between physical equals who can stand up for themselves without help.
Transgender individuals may be especially vulnerable
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, transgender individuals are more than twice as likely to experience stalking, rape or other types of partner violence than cisgender people. Broadly speaking, a transgender individual is someone who identifies as someone of the opposite sex. For instance, a transgender man would have been a woman at birth.
You have the right to pursue criminal and civil penalties against a person who engages in violent acts. Depending on the facts of the case, your attacker might be subject to both. A police report, 911 call or other evidence may be used to hold your partner accountable for what was done to you.