How to Have a Healthy and Happy LGBTQ Relationship

Similarities between LGBTQ and Non-LGBTQ Couples experience with Domestic Violence 

Domestic violence is a persistent social problem that affects couples who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) as well as heterosexual couples. These two types of couples share a similarity in that they are prone to domestic violence in the form of psychological abuse, sexual and physical violence. Rolle et al (2018) demystify domestic violence by establishing that domestic violence is not an exclusive issue for heterosexual couples but also LGBTQ relationships. The incidence of violence in LGBTQ couples might even be higher than for heterosexual couples. The other similarity that these two couples share is that most of the domestic violence incidences go unreported.

Differences between LGBTQ and Non-LGBTQ Couples Experience with Domestic Violence 

Heterosexual and LGBTQ couples have differences when it comes to domestic violence owing to the nature of their relationships. Society is more open to heterosexual marriages meaning that much attention is directed towards reducing these instances. LGBTQ couples present complex challenges since they have unique dynamics, which present challenges for domestic violence interventions (Currid, 2017). The other difference has to do with the scope of research on the stressors associated with violence in these two couples. The research on heterosexual domestic violence is exhaustive while there are so many gaps when it comes to sexual minority stressors that facilitate violence in LGBTQ marriages.

Assessment of Strain in LGBTQ Relationships 

LGBTQ couples experience more strain in their relationships as compared to heterosexual couples mainly due to social perceptions and interventions. Unlike heterosexual couples who are socially accepted, LGBTQ couples are viewed with suspicion since they appear to be contravening social norms. Kamen (2017) asserts that there are no provisions that guide how LGBTQ couples ought to relate in a social setup, and they have to come up with their rules, which may not be universally accepted. These couples are forced to fight for recognition as standard couples, inclusion in the social cycle, and a chance to thrive. The need to be recognized means that they have been classified as minority groups who may have limited rights and who are prone to social injustices.

References 

Currid, T. J. (2017). Domestic violence and abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) relationships . Editoriale Scientifica.

Kamen, C. (2017). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) survivorship. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 34 (1),52-59.DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2017.12.002

Rolle, L., Giardina, G., Caldarea, A. M., Gerino, E., & Brustia, P. (2018). When intimate partner violence meets same-sex couples: A review of same-sex intimate partner violence. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1506-1525. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01506