Physical and Sexual Violence Experienced by Lesbian and Heterosexual Women

Abstract

Violence against women is recognized as an enormous social problem, but little is known about differences among women with regard to violence. This study was conducted to explore whether there are differences in the violence experienced by lesbian and heterosexual women and in the actions used in response to violence. A convenience sample of 136 lesbian and 79 heterosexual women completed survey questionnaires. Significantly more lesbians (51%) than heterosexual women (33%) had experienced nonsexual physical violence, and there was no difference between the groups in the prevalence of sexual violence (lesbian 54%, heterosexual 44%). The principal actions for all women in response to violence were avoidance, talking to someone, and doing nothing—passive strategies that have limited value.