Intervention in Gay Male Intimate Violence Requires Coordinated Efforts on Multiple Levels

Research and understanding of parner violence among gay male couples are currently in rudimentary form. Gay male domestic violence must be analyzed and understood at multiple levels. A sociopolitical analysis includes naming the problem while coordinating efforts with domestic violence programs in the heterosexual community. Specific remedies include developing safe-house networks, educating mental health professionals and working for legislative remedies. Individual-level analyses and interventions include assessment of personality and psychopathology, problem-solving deficits, and function and pattern of violence. Interventions focus on behavior change in the batterer. Recommendations for research based on these multiple levels of analysis and interventions are discussed.