Domestic violence can be difficult to identify, especially for the person experiencing it.

People sometimes misunderstand domestic violence and think it is only physical abuse when actually it can be emotional, financial and/or sexual abuse as well.  Abusers often manipulate victims so that they feel they are to blame for the abuse. Sometimes LGBT abusers will try to tell their partners that “this is how it is in a LGBT relationship”.  Abusers often promise to change their behavior, and the hope for that positive change can keep a victim from identifying the pattern of abuse in the relationship.

The Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project estimates that one in four gay men experience domestic violence in some form or other, whether physical, mental, emotional, sexual, spiritual or even financial. (http://www.lambda.org/DV_background.htm)  Are you or is somebody you love affected by domestic violence?