Friday, September 16, 2011

Friday Night Fights

I'm going to catch some Friday night lights, readers.

"Same-sex domestic abuse targeted; Spate of deaths spurs bid to raise awareness" September 05, 2011|By Maria Cramer, Globe Staff

A series of killings of gay men and women by their partners has alarmed advocates, who say the deaths reflect a serious problem of domestic violence in the gay community that draws scant attention from many in law enforcement.... 

Last month, a 47-year-old man was accused of stabbing his boyfriend then burying his body beneath a porch in Winthrop.

As advocates struggle to understand the increase, they say many police, prosecutors, and judges lack the sensitivity and training to help gays, lesbians, and transgender people who are victims of abuse. Often, authorities fail to recognize who is the batterer in such relationships and who needs help. The consequences can be disastrous, advocates say, leaving victims with few resources and empowering the abuser.... 

In some ways, concerns about police indifference reflect a broader lack of public understanding of violence that can erupt in gay relationships....

--more--"