The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently
released the first-ever set of national data focused on intimate
partner violence, sexual violence, and stalking victimization by
sexual orientation. According to the findings, lesbians and gay
men experience higher rates of partner and sexual violence than
do heterosexuals, and bisexual women have significantly higher
lifetime prevalence rates of rape and sexual violence committed
by any perpetrator (that could include an intimate partner,
family member, acquaintance or stranger.) The data, gathered
from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey,
includes responses from almost 10,000 women; here’s a FAQ about
the findings and methodology. “We know that violence affects
everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. This report suggests
that lesbians, gay men and bisexuals in this country suffer a
heavy toll of sexual violence and stalking committed by an
intimate partner,” CDC Director Tom Frieden said in a release.
“While intervening