By Michelle Hines , University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted: 6-19-07
GREENSBORO, NC – A new training manual, developed by counseling researchers at UNCG offers information on prevention, support and rehabilitation for victims and perpetrators of same-sex violence.
The initiative, called Project Safe Love, incorporates counseling services for victims and abusers, training for counselors and other professionals as well as educational resources. It was funded by a $4,650 grant from the Guilford Green Foundation.
Safe Love grew out of a research project by two graduate students in UNCG’s Department of Counseling and Educational Development – Anne Buford, a recent master’s graduate, and Megan Seaman-DeJohn, currently a doctoral student. Their study grew into the training manual for professionals dealing with same-sex partners and a pilot program to put the ideas outlined in the manual into practice.
“Services delivered are generally very heterocentric, but domestic violence is always about issues of power,” said Dr. Keith Mobley, a clinical assistant professor who directs Safe Love along with his colleague Dr. Christine Murray. “This is an indirect way of addressing issues of oppression in relationships, which is a nationwide problem.”
Statistics point to a compelling need. In 2003, 6,523 cases of same-sex Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) were reported to 12 U.S. and Canadian agencies affiliated with the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. Six deaths linked to same-sex IPV were reported that year. Domestic violence among same-sex couples occurs at approximately the same rate as in heterosexual couples – an estimated 25 percent of all relationships involve domestic violence. However, there are unique issues for gays, lesbians and bisexuals, whom Mobley estimates at 10-12 percent of the total population.
One problem, Mobley believes, is the tendency of law enforcement to take same-sex violence less seriously than problems in heterosexual relationships. Gays, lesbians and bisexuals are also more likely: to turn to drugs and alcohol to relieve stress related to their sexual orientation; to be reluctant to expose themselves by reporting violence; and to internalize societal stigma, leading to anger and self-hatred. Finally, an abuser may threaten to “out” a victim.
“We feel that everybody has a right to safe relationships,” Mobley said. “Our goal is to increase awareness.”
UNCG is partnering with Family Service of the Piedmont to test the training materials. “Not only can they benefit from the material, but they can give us some feedback,” Mobley said.
Mobley is currently working to secure a second grant from the Green Foundation. The new grant would be used to expand Safe Love services, and would likely fund a project web site.
Free counseling services for victims or perpetrators of same-sex violence are available through UNCG’s Vacc Counseling and Consulting Clinic. For more information, call the clinic at (336) 334-5112 or send email inquiries to safelove@uncg.edu.
