CONCLUSION

The discussion of lesbian intimate partner violence guided by the ecological theoretical perspective makes clear that lesbian intimate partner violence is a complicated and complex issue. The interplay between the levels of the social ecology demonstrates there are multiple issues at play that impact lesbians and their relationships, thus making it difficult to address intimate partner violence in lesbian relationships.

This study addressed three main questions: (1) How do lesbian communities‘ attitudes regarding lesbian intimate partner violence affect a) the lesbian survivor and b) domestic violence shelters/services? (2) How do domestic violence shelters/services affect a) the lesbian community and b) lesbian survivor of intimate partner violence? (3) How do survivors of lesbian intimate partner violence affect a) the lesbian community and b) domestic violence

shelters/services? These research questions were explored by investigating lesbian community attitudes, conducting case studies of domestic violence agencies, and interviewing survivors of lesbian IPV.

The use of these three methods allows for a comprehensive picture of the issues

surrounding lesbian intimate partner violence, including an exploration of community attitudes, analysis of local domestic violence agencies, as well as an in-depth look at the women who have experienced it. The combination of quantitative, case study and qualitative methods has not been employed in previous research on this topic.

Contributions of Research

This study makes several contributions to the field of gay and lesbian studies and the field of domestic violence. First, it offers an in-depth examination of lesbian community attitudes regarding lesbian intimate partner violence. To my knowledge, there have not been other studies which specifically examine the attitudes of lesbians in terms of lesbian IPV. As with other social

movements, community activism and education is the key. The lesbian communities support is paramount to end the silent suffering of lesbian survivors of IPV.

A second contribution of this research is that it provides a detailed examination of the policies and practices of two large local metropolitan domestic violence agencies. This information highlights areas in need of improvement in order to better serve lesbian IPV

survivors. Employing both case studies and in-depth survivor interviews, this dissertation created a literary dialogue between lesbian survivors and domestic violence agencies, giving agencies an insider‘s view of just how their policies effect survivors of lesbian IPV. Not only could this information improve services for this minority but hopefully it will spur domestic violence agencies to take a fresh look at how their feminist practices impact all survivors of intimate partner violence.

Third, this gives a voice to the survivors of lesbian intimate partner violence while adding to the body of knowledge the experiences of lesbian in their violent relationships. By giving these women a voice, it not only informs the academic field of research, it also validates the experiences of these women and empowers them to tell their stories, some for the first time, thus allowing them to explore their experiences without the fear of rejection or discrimination.

The final contribution of this study is the expansion of the ecological theoretical

perspective. This perspective was originally used to explain child abuse and neglect. It has been successfully adapted to examine intimate partner violence. Hopefully, the utilization of

ecological theory in the investigation of lesbian intimate partner violence will broaden the applicability of this theory while illuminating the multifaceted interactions occurring simultaneously in the phenomenon of lesbian intimate partner violence.

Limitations

The very nature of this exploratory research presents a number of limitations. First, the convenient sample for the lesbian community survey and the lesbian survivors‘ interviews limits the generalizability of these findings. Since there was no available sampling frame for members of the lesbian community it was impossible to select a probability sample. In addition, lesbian survivors of lesbian intimate partner violence are a vulnerable, hard to reach population. Collecting this type of data was the driving force behind this project regardless of the generalizabilty of the findings.

A second limitation of this dissertation is the lesbian community survey. This survey was adapted from a national survey used in a foreign nation to assess the community attitudes

regarding heterosexual intimate partner violence against women. This survey may not have explored the differing nuances between IPV in heterosexual community and lesbian

communities. This may have also limited my ability to address the differing ways communities are structured, operate, share information and generate social change.

Others limitations lay in the findings of the domestic violence agencies case studies. These two agencies are in relatively close proximity to one another and have similar client demographics. The policies and practices of these two agencies may not reflect common

practices in DV agencies in other parts of the state, other parts of the region or in other regions of the country. Sections of the findings may be applicable to other domestic violence agencies while others may not.

Lastly, the homogenous sample of survivors limits the findings in this study. All of these women survivors interviewed were middle-class, well education with higher than average incomes. Their experiences, and ultimate resources to deal with lesbian IPV, are directly

impacted by their social standing and the rights and privileges bestowed upon them because of their status. A more diverse sample could have yielded different findings and offered a different view of lesbian IPV based on these diverse experiences and struggles in dealing with lesbian intimate partner violence.

Recommendations for Future Research

The field of future research on lesbian intimate partner violence is wide open. Practically any area pertaining to the study of lesbian intimate partner violence is in need of further research. I have several recommendations for future research. First, I would recommend a more

comprehensive study of domestic violence agencies policies and procedures serving surviving survivors of lesbian intimate partner violence. Domestic violence agencies are essential in how lesbian IPV is thought about in the larger community, in offering safe harbor to lesbian

survivors, and reaching out and educating the larger community, as well as the lesbian community, in regards to lesbian IPV.

Second, I would recommend a more in-depth study of lesbian community attitudes about lesbian IPV and how those attitudes directly impact survivors. Research on how homophobia and heterosexism affect community attitudes in terms of lesbian IPV is needed and would certainly inform more in-depth discussion about what impact the community has on survivors.

Third, a study of the context in which violence occurs in lesbian relationships is needed. While the Revised Conflict Tactic Scale does assess the types and prevalence of violence, it lacks the sophistication to get at the context in which the violence takes place. This is extremely important to address the myth of mutual battering in lesbian relationships. There are several reasons people use violence. Sometimes it‘s for self-protection and other times it‘s to maintain power and control over ones partner. The origins and underlying premise of these scenarios are

completely different. It is vital that further attention be given to the context in which intimate partner violence occurs, not only for lesbians but for all individual experiencing violence in their relationships.

Finally, I would recommend further investigation into the structural inequalities that affect lesbian survivors. While this dissertation examines domestic violence agencies, there are several other structural elements which need further examination. Including the beliefs and attitudes of employees in the judicial system and how they effect judicial actions such as prosecution of batterers and issuance of temporary protective orders. Also the actions of law enforcement and its impact on lesbian IPV is critical need of examination. Law enforcement officers are often the first person a lesbian survivor ever engages about their abuse. Their ability to react appropriately has long lasting effects on the help that lesbian survivors receive.

Policy Implications

There are several policy implications of this research. First, this research will inform the two agencies in the case study how their policies have a negative impact on lesbian survivor. Hopefully, the findings in this research will lead to policy changes in their organizations including decreasing or eliminating the overt heteronormative messages created by their agencies. Also, this research highlights the need for agencies to perform active outreach

education about lesbian IPV to the lesbian community as well as the larger society. It is my hope that these findings will lead other agencies to examine their policies and address any areas that marginalized survivors.

Secondly, this research informs lesbian community organizations and community leaders about the prevalence, dangers and challenges of lesbian intimate partner violence. The findings of this research create an opportunity for discussion and education by the community to the

community members. In turn, it is possible that the dissemination of this information throughout the community will lead to greater recognition of lesbian IPV and thus services to help lesbian couples experiencing violence in their relationships.

Lastly, it is my hope that the findings in this research will start a dialogue between the lesbian community, members and leaders, and domestic violence agencies. This type of discourse could create an exchange of valuable information and thus educate members in both the domestic violence arenas and the lesbian communities. Shrinking the social distance between these two groups increases the possibility that a) domestic violence agencies become more welcoming organizations, able to serve all survivors, b) lesbian survivors will seek help and refuge in shelters thus having a safe place to go when escaping abuse and thus help shelter advocates understand the specific needs and challenges of lesbian survivors, c) the lesbian community will become more aware of the effects that intimate partner violence has on a community and becomes educated in the overall impact that community attitudes and behaviors have on intimate partner violence.