Wednesday, September 25, 2002
Violence in same-sex relationships increases
A story published today by the San Francisco Examiner reports that according to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, domestic violence among same-sex couples is increasing in the United States, while services to help victims continue to stagnate.
The number of cases reported nationwide jumped 25 percent in 2001 to 5,046 incidents, according to the umbrella group for 26 community organizations around the country.
In San Francisco, the number of reported cases increased slightly, from 691 to 694. More than half occurred between women.
"What we said last year still remains true," said Shawna Virago, of the Mission's Community United Against Violence (CUAV.) "Same-sex violence is an issue that still does not get enough public attention."
Services nationwide for victims are still "few and far between," according to the report.
"There is much lack of awareness and denial of this type of violence by those who are part of the (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, as well as those in the mainstream," the report stated.
The coalition gathered its information by polling its regional member organizations.
"One myth of same-sex battering is that victims are better able to defend themselves than heterosexuals," Virago said. "This myth is easily put to rest, when you consider the use of weapons: ashtrays, wine glasses, even TV remote controls."
