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Violence in the Lives of Lesbian Women: Implications for Mental Health

SUMMARY The mental health of lesbian women is shaped by the unique intersection of violence across the lifespan with the trauma of living in a heterosexist society. I argue that living within the heterosexist culture of the United States constitutes a form of trauma which is rarely considered when examining the mental health of lesbian women. Heterosexism may be defined as heterosexuals' prejudices against lesbian women and gay men as well as the behaviors predicated on these prejudices (Herek, 1996). Heterosexism is manifested at both individual and cultural levels. This article discusses how the traumatic context created by heterosexism fosters the development of internalized homophobia and shapes the mental health of lesbian women (DiPlacido, 1998; Greene, 2000). Lesbians are not a homogenous group; there are significant within-group differences based on such factors as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and age. These differences result in interlocking oppressions that influence mental health. Lesbians experience violence across their lifespan. This article examines their experiences, reported retrospectively, of childhood physical and sexual abuse perpetrated by family members and others (e.g., Corliss, Cochran, & Mays, 2002). The experiences of lesbian and heterosexual women are compared and the impact on mental health is considered. I discuss the mental health implications of the victimization of lesbian adolescents within their homes, schools, and communities (e.g., D'Augelli, 1998). Social work researchers need to design and implement studies based on our profession's commitment to the person-in-environment model which acknowledges the interrelationship of a lesbian woman's mental health and the heterosexist society in which she lives. Recommendations are offered regarding how we can bring our unique perspective to this field of study.