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A particularly worrisome factor among [[gay rights]] [[activist]]s is the prevalence of violence and emotional abuse in gay domestic partnerships.  One survey found 53% of gays felt if the high incidence of violence against partners in homosexual relationships was known and understood by the heterosexual population, it would hinder the drive for gay rights.   

A particularly worrisome factor among [[gay rights]] [[activist]]s is the prevalence of violence and emotional abuse in gay domestic partnerships.  One survey found 53% of gays felt if the high incidence of violence against partners in homosexual relationships was known and understood by the heterosexual population, it would hinder the drive for gay rights.   

Domestic abuse is divided into two categories, emotional abuse and physical abuse.  While gay domestic abuse has not been studied to the extent that heterosexual relationships have, all preliminary studies indicate a much higher level of abuse. Due to the incomplete nature of studies and lack of focus thus far, what is commonly reported is that the incidence of gay domestic abuse are "as prevalent as heterosexual relationships."  This on its face is true, but it would be more accurate to declare "the incidence of gay domestic abuse are ''at least'' as prevalent as heterosexual relationships."  

Domestic abuse is divided into two categories, emotional abuse and physical abuse.  While gay domestic abuse has not been studied to the extent that heterosexual relationships have, [[Homosexual Couples|preliminary studies indicate a much higher level of abuse]].   

83% of gays report they have been emotionally abused by homosexual partners. <ref>[http://www.springerlink.com/content/r130ql0471892435/ A Descriptive Analysis of Same-Sex Relationship Violence for a Diverse Sample], The Journal of Family Violence, Publisher Springer Netherlands, Volume 15, Number 3, September, 2000, Pages 281-293. ISSN 0885-7482 </ref> One type of emotional abuse--threatening to "out" a partner to family, friends, or employers--is unique to homosexual relationships.  Legalization of so-called "gay marriage" still would not end this type of abuse.  Morality cannot be legislated.

One type of emotional abuse--threatening to "out" a partner to family, friends, or employers--is unique to homosexual relationships.  Legalization of so-called "gay marriage" still would not end this type of abuse.  Morality cannot be legislated.

Although the studies are decades behind heterosexual studies on violence between men and women, the indications are that homosexual relationships suffer from a much higher degree of physical violence than heterosexual relationships.  Several studies have been made, and more are ongoing.  However, it is safe to say at this juncture, that homosexual domestic relationships suffer from violence two to four times higher than the well studied incidence in heterosexual relationships.

Although the studies are decades behind heterosexual studies on violence between men and women, the indications are that homosexual relationships suffer from a much higher degree of physical violence than heterosexual relationships.  Several studies have been made, and more are ongoing.  However, it is safe to say at this juncture, that homosexual domestic relationships suffer from violence two to four times higher than the well studied incidence in heterosexual relationships.