Methodological Concerns in Intimate Partner Violence Research within Lesbian Relationships: The Australian Case

• In Event: Methodological Issues in Queer Community Research

Abstract

It is argued that the use of heteronormative terminology by scholars and the broader community has contributed to the invisibility of same-sex intimate partner abuse. The viewing of intimate partner abuse through a heterosexist lens has the potential to skew a survivor’s subjective understanding of their own victimisation; an aspect which likely to play into reporting and help-seeking behaviours. The relevant implications for same-sex intimate partner abuse research in the lesbian case will be presented, together with suggestions for the conduct of research, data collection and reporting practices in same-sex communities.

Author

• Melissa Gampe, Griffith University