Researching Same Sex Domestic Violence: Constructing a Survey Methodology

The article discusses the issues and problems that need to be addressed in thedevelopment of a comprehensive survey approach to explore same sex domesticviolence in relationships involving individuals identifying as lesbian, gaymale, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBT&Q). It draws on the most detailedstudy to date in the UK comparing love and domestic violence in same-sex andheterosexual relationships. The survey methodology built on previous research,attempting in particular to overcome the limitations of earlier studies; and toproduce data that could be compared with existing data on domestic violence inboth heterosexual and LGBT&Q communities. The result was a questionnairethat reflected a wide range of abusive behaviours; examined impact of theviolence alongside a quantification of particular acts; took into accountexperience of violence from a partner, as well as use of violence against thatpartner; and incorporated issues related to equality/inequality and dependency.The questionnaire was successfully distributed across the UK to provide anational ‘same sex community’ survey of problems in relationships and domesticviolence.