Suffering in silence

[LostInTime]

Domestic violence takes many forms and is a major problem in the GLBTI community, Katrina Fox reports.

International and local studies indicate that incidences of same-sex domestic violence (SSDV) are on par with or possibly even higher than heterosexual domestic violence. Estimates of the rates of family violence experienced by Australian women range between 8% and 28%; however, the 2005 Private Lives report into the health and wellbeing of GLBTI people in Australia found that a "disturbingly high percentage" (33%) of respondents reported having been in a relationship where the partner was abusive. Although abuse was reported more frequently by women than men, it was highest for transgender males and the report's authors note that the rates for all groups are "unacceptably high". Yet SSDV is grossly under-reported, with many victims suffering in silence.