The biggest survey into lesbian health outside of the United States has thrown up a surprising problem in lesbian relationships - domestic violence. The charity Stonewall’s report “Prescription for Health” found that one in four lesbian women have experienced domestic violence, suggesting that the level of abuse in lesbian relationships is the same as in the general population. More alarmingly, 80% of these female victims have never reported incidents to the police. Jenni talks to one woman who has been the victim of domestic violence. They are joined by Rita Hirani from Broken Rainbow, a charity which runs a helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who are experiencing domestic violence and Dr Catherine Donovan from the University of Sunderland. They will be discussing whether female perpetrators of domestic violence use the same kind of power and control as men, and asks why lesbians in abusive relationships seem less likely to ask for help.
