Home Institution
Lafayette College
Publication Date
Spring 2009
Abstract
In a heterosexist world, the unique needs of homosexuals are often ignored. Lesbians in the area of intimate partner violence (IPV) are no different. Most organizations that work with IPV only provide services for heterosexual women. However, lesbian battering occurs at almost the same rate as in heterosexual relationships. Therefore, this study seeks to assess if service providers and the organizations that work with domestic abuse in the Netherlands are altering their structure (i.e. health programs, services, attitude) to incorporate lesbian battering and if those alterations carry over in practice to the shelters. Through personal interviews and a questionnaire this study assesses the openness in attitude and practice of one organization in particular, Hera. The discrepancy between a welcoming attitude towards Holebi clients and the actuality of what services Hera offers them, the need for extra training to work with Holebi clients, the clash of acceptance of Holebi clients between Hera employees and current clients, the results of the dissipation of Holebi employees within Hera, and suggestions for better marketing techniques are all explained.
Disciplines
Gender and Sexuality | Inequality and Stratification | Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Janelle, "Breaking the Silence: Professionals of Hera Speak Out About Lesbian Battering" (2009). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 637.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/637
Included in
Gender and Sexuality Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance Commons
Program Name
Netherlands: International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender