Childhood Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence

Gay/lesbian support groups addressing diverse issues, as opposed to mixed groups with heterosexual and gay/lesbian members, may provide greater feelings of safety for gay men and lesbians to discuss common concerns without homophobic and heterosexist reactions from other group members. This article presents a group which formed in a mental health clinic, serving a primarily Latino community. Group members introduced the two topics of childhood sexual abuse and gay/ lesbian domestic violence in the group discussions. Misconceptions about these issues are addressed in the contexts of Latino culture and gay/lesbian identity. Case vignettes illustrate the traumatic experiences of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence revealed by group members.