Changes

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 and Domestic Violence|preliminary studies indicate a much higher level of abuse]].

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 and Domestic Violence|preliminary studies indicate a much higher level of abuse]].

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.

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.  Although communication between married partners would be classified as privileged and any given partner would be legally obligated to refuse to disclose information without the consent of his/his mate <ref>Privileged Communication, Glossary of Legal Terms, Child Welfare Manual. http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&start=2&oi=define&q=http://www.dss.mo.gov/cd/info/cwmanual/section7/glossary/pq.htm&usg=AFQjCNFJEcaFZh0PuFiqrbUh2JyAUhD_yA</ref>, anonymous leaking to the media has been known to happen and the prospect of suffering a "Haggardesque" <ref>Media Crossed the Line in Haggard Outing, Thursday November 20, 2008.  http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/opinion_columnists/article/0,2777,DRMN_23972_5152861,00.html</ref> fate is sufficient to allow manipulative tactics such as blackmail.

It should however be noted that homosexual marriages tend to be more stable than hetrosexual marriages. In the Netherlands, only 1% of the male homosexual marriages and 3% of the female homosexual marriages end in divorce, versus more than 30% of hetrosexual marriages. <ref>Newspaper 'De Pers' Thursday februari 15th, 2007. http://www.depers.nl/UserFiles/File/PDF/26.pdf</ref> The UK features similar statistics.

It should however be noted that homosexual marriages tend to be more stable than hetrosexual marriages. In the Netherlands, only 1% of the male homosexual marriages and 3% of the female homosexual marriages end in divorce, versus more than 30% of hetrosexual marriages. <ref>Newspaper 'De Pers' Thursday februari 15th, 2007. http://www.depers.nl/UserFiles/File/PDF/26.pdf</ref> The UK features similar statistics.