Resources, including counseling, classes, shelters and a host of organizations that are dedicated to educating and empowering the GLBT community are available to the victims and perpetrators of same sex domestic violence throughout California. Intimate partner abuse takes place between individuals who are or were romantically involved and occurs when an individual physically, emotionally and/or financially abuses his or her partner in an attempt to gain and maintain control over that partner.

Although domestic violence was traditionally seen as abuse that occured between heterosexual couples and families, our society is beginning to recognize and acknowledge that same sex domestic abuse occurs with as much frequency as it does in “straight” relationships and is making more resources available to the affected LGBT community as a result.

Counseling is one resource available to both partners who are involved in an abusive relationship. Counseling services for victims of intimate partner violence frequently include private or group therapy, vocational training and lessons on how a victim can safely flee from a violent partner. The goal of this therapy is to empower the victim to leave an abusive relationship behind in order to secure his or her safety. With respect to abusers, the goal of counseling is to help those individuals restore balance to their relationships and to learn to walk away from potentially explosive situations without resorting to violence, intimidation or threats. It should also be noted that domestic violence statistics reveal that many couples who are involved in an abusive relationship are both abusers and both victims. When such is the case, it is crucial that both partners receive counseling as victims and as perpetrators.

Batterer’s classes are available to an abuser who voluntarily wishes to seek help and to those who have been convicted of a D.V. related crime and have been sentenced to probation. One of the conditions that a probationer must fulfill is participation in a batterer’s class. The goal of these classes is to teach the participants accountability and to offer them alternative ways to manage their anger and violent tendencies. Domestic violence statistics reveal that drugs and/or alcohol often accompnay violent incidents, and there are free Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings held throughout the state for the abuser who needs this type of help as well. Long-term, live-in facilities are also available if more intense treatment is necessary.

Additional resources for a victim of intimate partner abuse include emergency shelters throughout the state that allow victims and their children to temporarily reside, keeping their identity confidential. These shelters’ locations are kept a secret from the public to help further protect the residents. There are also many government financial assistance programs available to help the victim and his or her family get back on their feet.

While there aren’t nearly as many resources available to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community affected by domestic violence as there are for the heterosexual community, there are a growing number of organizations that are trying to help. Two great resources for anyone affected by domestic violence are the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE and SAFE (Stop Abuse For Everyone). Both these organizations offer help and referrals to those in need and can recommend services that specifically target the gay community. For a GLBT specific website that provides information on domestic violence and provides many additional resources, the rainbow is a good place to start.

The caring, GLBT supportive attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm become intimately involved with their clients to make sure they are receiving all appropriate outside care. They have referrals for all types of counseling services, regardless of gender or sexual orientation and will ensure that their client receives the services that meet his or her needs. Contact them today for a free consultation.