Lesbian/Bisexual Mothers and Intimate Partner Violence: Help Seeking in the Context of Social and Legal Vulnerability

Authors

Jennifer L. Hardesty, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignFollow
Ramona F. Oswald, University of California at Los AngelesFollow
Lyndal Khaw, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Carol Fonseca, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2011

Journal / Book Title

Violence Against Women

Abstract

Mothers in same-sex relationships face unique challenges when help seeking for intimate partner violence (IPV). Formal helping systems often invalidate their family relationships, leaving them vulnerable and distrustful when help seeking. To better understand their experiences, the authors interviewed 24 lesbian/bisexual mothers who were either in or had left abusive same-sex relationships. Increasing severity of violence, effects of violence on children and families, and "being tired" influenced their definitions of the situation. Decisions to seek formal help appeared to be influenced by their support from informal networks and perceived stigma related to the intersection of IPV and being lesbian or bisexual.

DOI

10.1177/1077801209347636

MSU Digital Commons Citation

Hardesty, Jennifer L.; Oswald, Ramona F.; Khaw, Lyndal; and Fonseca, Carol, "Lesbian/Bisexual Mothers and Intimate Partner Violence: Help Seeking in the Context of Social and Legal Vulnerability" (2011). Department of Family Science and Human Development Scholarship and Creative Works. 105.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/familysci-facpubs/105

Published Citation

Hardesty, J. L., Oswald, R. F., Khaw, L., & Fonseca, C. (2011). Lesbian/Bisexual Mothers and Intimate Partner Violence: Help Seeking in the Context of Social and Legal Vulnerability. Violence Against Women, 17(1), 28-46. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801209347636