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Published in: Journal of Family Violence 2/2009

01-02-2009 | Original Article

Perceptions of Same-sex Domestic Violence Among Crisis Center Staff

Authors: Michael J. Brown, Jennifer Groscup

Published in: Journal of Family Violence | Issue 2/2009

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Abstract

Crisis center staff help form the frontline in the fight against domestic violence. Therefore, it is important that we understand any biases they may have when addressing cases of same-sex domestic violence. In this study, 120 crisis center staff members were given a vignette depicting a domestic dispute and asked to complete a questionnaire about their perceptions of the incident and the parties involved. We manipulated the sex of the perpetrator and victim. All other aspects of the vignette remained consistent. Because gay and lesbian relationships are often perceived as less serious than heterosexual relationships, we hypothesized that participants would perceive same-sex domestic violence as such. Consistent with this hypothesis, participants rated same-sex domestic violence scenarios as less serious than opposite-sex domestic violence and as less likely to get worse over time.
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Metadata
Title
Perceptions of Same-sex Domestic Violence Among Crisis Center Staff
Authors
Michael J. Brown
Jennifer Groscup
Publication date
01-02-2009
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Family Violence / Issue 2/2009
Print ISSN: 0885-7482
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2851
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-008-9212-5

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