Abstract

Abstract The problem of domestic violence among same sex partners had been hidden in the closet for many years. Review of the literature shows that the prevalence of same sex domestic violence reflects the same pattern of domestic violence in general. One hundred and fifty-two gay men and lesbians in Puerto Rico answered a survey on domestic violence. Seven to thirteen percent of all participants reported at least one instance of physical abuse in their relationship. Up to half of the people who respond to the survey reported frequent instances of verbal and emotional abuse. There are some indications of the importance of this issue in relation to the possibilities of the transmission of HIV among gay males. This article represents an initial effort to overcome silence and to identify patterns of domestic violence in the gay and lesbian community in Puerto Rico. This effort may be useful for other Latino communities in the mainland and a guide to develop intervention programs.