Lesbian Alliance

Lesbian battering is the pattern of violent and coercive behaviors whereby a woman seeks to control the thoughts, beliefs or conduct of her intimate partner, or to punish her intimate partner for resisting the perpetrator’s control over her. Resistance and self-defense do not constitute ’’mutual battering’’.

Abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, or any combination. Issues of power and control form the core of any abusive relationship. Intensity of control usually proceeds along a continuum and may escalate. Any behavior which does not respect a woman’s right to say ’’no’’ is violence.

Isolation can proceed from the abuser controlling family, social, political or religious contacts. It can be intensified by living in a heterosexist society. Lesbians can lose their communities, children and support systems when seeking help. Lesbians and bisexuals of color, or those living in rural areas, face additional barriers.

Services to Lesbians

The Womenspace Lesbian Alliance offers crisis counseling, advocacy, and support groups. For more information, and times when a lesbian advocate is avaiable, call the Womenspace crisis line at (541)485-6513, 1800-281-2800, or (541)484-7262 (TDD), or the drop-in Advocacy Center at (541)484-6103.

• Myths and Facts about Lesbian Battering

• Differences and similarities between lesbian battering and straight battering

• Are you involved with an abusive lesbian?