Citation

Merlis SR, Linville D. J. Fem. Fam. Ther. 2006; 18(1): 97-136.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J086v18n01_05

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Lesbian domestic violence has been frequently denied among lesbian communities and society as a whole. As a result, women involved in same-sex abusive relationships remain isolated, fearful, and reluctant to identify and seek help for the abuse. This study investigated a lesbian community's response to domestic violence in same-sex relationships and the factors impacting the response. The participants included fifteen mental health professionals with expertise in the field of lesbian domestic violence. The phenomenon of “lessening the load” emerged as the central theme that categorized the lesbian community's response to domestic violence. Implications for further research and treatment are also discussed.