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Skidmore College

Publication Date

Spring 2014

Program Name

Netherlands: International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender

Abstract

This independent study project examines the role that the Amsterdam Police Department plays in the context of lesbian domestic violence. Amsterdam is a city well-known for its tolerant culture and large LGBT community, yet there is little to no discussion between the government, the police, and the citizens of Amsterdam. This article examines the taboos surrounding lesbian domestic violence, perceptions of how the police are handling such cases, and asks who should be initiating discussions. Although the research looks at lesbian domestic violence as a general topic, it looks specifically at the way the Amsterdam Police Department networks Roze in Blauw and the Domestic Violence Unit address the reporting and underreporting of abusive cases amongst lesbians. This article provides the opinions and insights of police officers, LGBT therapists, researchers, and LGBT community members and analyzes what the Amsterdam Police has done in the past, what they are doing now, and what can be done in the future to address the specific needs of lesbians affected by domestic violence. The police have acknowledged that this is an issue they should be working on, but have not yet found the best way to spread awareness and handle the cases that come in. If Amsterdam can figure out a way to make this subject less taboo and more talked about, perhaps the rest of the Netherlands, Europe, and the world can keep the conversation flowing and break the silence surrounding lesbian domestic violence.

Disciplines

Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence | Inequality and Stratification | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies | Politics and Social Change

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