Premium
Gender and role‐based perceptions of domestic abuse: does sexual orientation matter?
Author(s) -
Seelau Eric P.,
Seelau Sheila M.,
Poorman Paula B.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
behavioral sciences and the law
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.649
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1099-0798
pISSN - 0735-3936
DOI - 10.1002/bsl.524
Subject(s) - sexual orientation , domestic violence , lesbian , psychological intervention , psychology , respondent , criminal justice , poison control , sexual abuse , perception , intervention (counseling) , suicide prevention , psychological abuse , clinical psychology , social psychology , psychiatry , medicine , criminology , medical emergency , political science , neuroscience , psychoanalysis , law
Although it is estimated that domestic abuse is as common in gay male and lesbian intimate relationships as in heterosexual relationships, the legal system often fails to recognize or respond to same‐gender cases. Empirical research examining the impact of sexual orientation on perceptions of abuse is virtually nonexistent. Undergraduates ( N = 252) read a summary of a domestic abuse incident in which victims and perpetrators varied by gender and, by implication, sexual orientation. Victim and respondent gender, rather than the couple's sexual orientation, primarily affected responses to domestic abuse. Domestic abuse perpetrated against women was perceived to be more serious and in need of intervention than abuse against men. Women were more likely than men to believe the victim and to recommend criminal justice system interventions. Because they are inconsistent with gender role stereotypes, domestic abuse cases involving male victims or female perpetrators may not receive equitable treatment within the criminal justice system. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.