Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.
Comparing Love and Domestic Violence in Heterosexual and Same Sex Relationships, 2005-2006 is a mixed methods study. The study sought to increase knowledge and understanding of domestic violence in same sex relationships and had the following research aims:to explore the scope of domestic violence in same sex relationships via the first comprehensive national community surveyto identify similarities and differences between the experiences of those in same sex and heterosexual relationships, including use of help-seeking strategies via the criminal justice system or other agenciesto explore the impact of narratives of love as rationales for violence in heterosexual and same sex relationships, and develop comparative understandings of ways in which sexuality may or may not influence both expectations about and the 'doing' of adult intimate relationshipsto explore existing analyses and develop new theories regarding domestic violence in adult relationships, by comparing the experiences of individuals in 'gender free' relationships (same sex relationships) with those in gendered (heterosexual) relationships and by focusing on narratives of love rather than gender rolesThese aims and objectives were achieved via a same sex community survey examining incidence of domestic violence in the preceding 12 months and previously, semi-structured interviews with heterosexual women, men, lesbians and gay men and focus groups (focus group data are not included in the collection available from the UKDA). Further information is available from the ESRC Comparing Love and Domestic Violence in Heterosexual and Same Sex Relationships award web page.
Main Topics:
Quantitative survey: The survey includes questions on: respondents’ current relationships, decision-making and conflict resolution; experiences of emotional, physical and sexual abusive behaviours and their impact; experiences of using emotional, physical and sexual behaviours on an intimate same sex partner; the reasons for their behaviour; and help seeking. Qualitative interview transcripts: Interviews focused on a ‘best’ and a ‘worst’ relationship experience including questions about how they met; how they organised their relationship; whether they loved their partner and how they knew; decision-making; the best and the worst of being in the relationship; how the relationship had ended; general questions about love and domestic violence in same sex relationships.
Volunteer sample
Convenience sample
Those interviewed from the quantitative survey sample constituted a purposive sample for the semi-structured interviews. Factors such as geographical location, age and relationship experience were considered.
Face-to-face interview
Self-completion
Email survey
