Building a Second Closet: Third Party Responses to Victims of Lesbian Partner Abuse

Authors

Claire M. Renzetti, St. Joseph's University

Abstract

This article examines the problem of violence in intimate lesbian relationships and the role of third party responses to victims in perpetuating or preventing future attacks. Based on questionnaire and interview data from a nationwide self-selected sample of 100 battered lesbians, the article first examines the incidence and forms of abuse in violent lesbian relationships. It then analyzes victims' help-seeking efforts, the responses of help providers to these requests, and the impact of these responses on both victims and violent episodes. The article concludes with recommendations for improving the ways third party help providers respond to lesbian victims.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1989

Notes/Citation Information

Dr. Claire Renzetti had not been a faculty member of the University of Kentucky at the time of publication.

Repository Citation

Renzetti, Claire M., "Building a Second Closet: Third Party Responses to Victims of Lesbian Partner Abuse" (1989). CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles. 34.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/crvaw_facpub/34