in heterosexual families and relationships. Many people in society do not believe relationship violence occurs in same-sex relationships, when in fact it occurs as much as heterosexual relationship violence, so it is harder for them to get the help and protection they need after being abused by their partner. Because the laws concerning domestic violence are targeted only toward heterosexual couples, homosexual domestic violence cases need to sustain greater injury than those of heterosexual cases. Many victims may also feel they do not have the option to seek help for several reasons. One concern is the violence and poor treatment they may get from the police. One study found that gay male victims have reported a variety of dehumanizing and illegal responses from the police among their calls for help, such as derogatory name-calling, arresting the victim rather than the abuser, and locking them both in a cell together, resulting in continued abuse from their partner. It was also reported that an officer told a gay man that they "only arrest these gay things if it gets bloody" (Letellier, 1994). Homosexuals also may not report domestic abuse because in some cases it might result in forcing them "out of the closet," causing severe repercussions, including job loss and termination of their health insurance. They feel they have to choose between keeping their sexual orientation a secret and having faith that the justice system will keep them safe, which doesn't always happen (Wertheimer, 1992). Therefore many will not report their abuse, which makes it look like it doesn't happen that frequently, thus giving society all the more reason to disregard it as a serious problem.
             Various theories have been explored looking at domestic violence in general. Reasons that domestic violence may occur haven been researched and expanded to show more of why homosexual relationship violence occurs, as well as give reasons why it is not recogniz...