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A new report shows that violence within same-sex relationships is a
significant problem, but not one often reported to the police.
OutFront Minnesota's Anti-Violence Program contributed to the
national report, issued in July 2007, which details incidents and trends
throughout the United States.
The Minnesota portion of the national report reflects the following
trends:
- More violence is being reported in transgender relationships
- Weapons are increasingly being used in same-sex domestic
violence
- Injuries committed during same-sex domestic assault are becoming
more severe, often requiring medical attention
- 100% increase in the use of sexual assault during the course of
domestic violence incidences
- Less than one-third of all domestic violence incidents that are
reported to OutFront Minnesota's Anti-Violence Program are reported
to the police
"The landscape in Minnesota as it pertains to intimate partner
violence is very serious," said OutFront Minnesota's Anti-Violence
Program Manager Rebecca Waggoner Kloek.
"And even though we've been working very closely with the police to
create a safe environment for reporting victimization, victims are still
more likely to come to our program than to the police.
The whole report reflects the need to devote more resources to
partnering with GLBT and non-GLBT social service providers as well as
continuing to work with the police to create safe environments for
victims and survivors."
Continues Waggoner Kloek, "The reality of same-sex domestic violence
also reflects the need within our own community to break the silence
about the issue, and devote targeted resources including financial
assistance and volunteer time to create safety in our community. It's
also vital to ensure that the voices of victims and survivors are heard,
believed, and supported."
The national report on same-sex domestic violence was issued by the
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs earlier this month.
See the
national
report, with the Minnesota narrative on page 29.
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