Examining the Prevalence and Characteristics of Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence in Canada

• In Event: Policing Marginalized Communities: Immigration, Same-Sex Couples, Interpersonal Violence, and Mental Health Policies

Abstract

There has been an increase in research and programming initiatives focusing on the issue of intimate partner violence (IPV). However, the majority of this attention has focused on heterosexual IPV (Het-IPV) and, as a result, comparatively little is known about same-sex IPV (SS-IPV). To respond to this gap, this paper compares the prevalence and characteristics of SS-IPV and Het-IPV with an emphasis on understanding how differences and similarities are associated with the formal responses to these types of crimes. Data from Statistics Canada's 2007-2011 Uniform Crime Reporting Survey is utilized to determine the frequency with which SS-IPV occurs in Canada, the type of incidents reported, and police responses. Results are then compared to police responses regarding instances of Het-IPV that occurred the same period.

Authors

• Jessica Whitehead, University of Guelph

• Myrna Dawson, University of Guelph

• Tina Hotton, University of Guelph