The Coral Project: Exploring Abusive Behaviours in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender Relationships: Interim Report

Abstract

This is a report on the interim findings from the first UK study exploring the abusive behaviours of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans (LGB and/or T) people in their intimate relationships. Whether domestic violence and abuse (DVA) occurs in LGB and/or T relationships is no longer in question. In response to the research and activism about this issue, the UK government’s Home Office definition recognises that DVA can occur in intimate relationships ‘regardless of gender or sexuality’.1 In 1994, the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act was amended to recognise that men can be raped (by men), while the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 specifically includes victims/survivors of domestic violence and abuse in same-sex relationships in measures to protect them such as restraining orders and non-molestation orders.