Temporal Progression of Intimate Partner Violence in Same-Sex and Different-Sex Relationships

Psychological and sociological studies have indicated that same-sex relationships form at faster rates than their different-sex counterparts. Studies on the temporal progression of same-sex relationships suggest that same-sex relationships advance through relationship stage models at faster rates than different-sex relationships. Given this, the purpose of this study is to explore the temporal progression of same-sex and different-sex intimate partner violence (IPV) and discover if the faster development of same-sex relationships is exhibited within same-sex IPV. The study was led by the following questions: Do same-sex relationships experience IPV earlier than different-sex relationships? Do same-sex relationships progress through the cycle of violence at faster rates than different-sex relationships? The present study surveyed 35 individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in at least one romantic relationship. Participants included 20 heterosexuals, 8 lesbians, and 7 gay males. The present findings indicate that same-sex relationships experience IPV earlier in their relationship than different-sex relationships. Accordingly, results suggest that IPV is presented earlier within lesbian relationships than any other romantic relationship; gay relationships and different-sex relationships follow after. Data analysis also affirms that same-sex relationships transition faster into Lenore Walker’s tension building phase and acute explosion phase than different-sex relationships. Overall, revealing that the rapid progression of same-sex relationships can be witnessed within violent outcomes as well.