{"id":351817,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/domestic-violence\/same-sex-domestic-violence.html"},"modified":"2023-06-05T10:41:46","modified_gmt":"2023-06-05T15:41:46","slug":"same-sex-domestic-violence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/same-sex-domestic-violence.html","title":{"rendered":"Domestic Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Communities<\/h1>\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges in seeking justice and protection for intimate partner violence (IPV). They can encounter discrimination and misunderstandings about same-sex relationship dynamics from law enforcement. Understanding the signs of domestic violence and available resources can help LGBTQ+ couples find safety and healing.\n<\/p>\n

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The movement for equal legal rights for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) community has led to several changes in the law in recent years. However, domestic violence<\/a> in LGBTQ+ relationships is not as widely discussed in the legal landscape.<\/p>\r\n

In 2013, the Supreme Court held that the federal government could not deny federal benefits to same-sex married couples<\/a>. Two years later, the Supreme Court went further. The Court ruled that states could not prevent gay couples from getting married. And in 2020, the Court declared that federal law under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act<\/a> barred employers from discriminating against people because of their gender identity.<\/p>\r\n

Still, not all issues affecting the rights of LGBTQ+ persons<\/a> are resolved or final. <\/p>\r\n

Violence in Same-Sex and Non-Binary Relationships<\/h2>\r\n

Data demonstrates intimate partner domestic violence in same-sex and non-binary relationships exists at levels just as high, if not higher, than heterosexual and opposite-sex relationships. For example, the National Domestic Violence Hotline reports:<\/p>\r\n