A Cross-National Comparison of Gay and Lesbian Domestic Violence

Abstract

This research examines the prevalence of same-sex domestic violence in the United States and Venezuela. Data were collected through a survey administered using snowball and convenience sampling. Approximately two thirds of the sample in both countries reported experiencing some form of domestic violence, although substantially fewer had received information about or knew of resources supporting victims of same-sex domestic violence. In addition, respondents were surveyed about attitudes toward law enforcement and courts. Venezuelan respondents viewed law enforcement significantly more negatively than United States respondents, but there were not significant differences regarding perceptions of courts. Conclusions and practical implications are offered.