Relational dynamics in same-sex couples with Intimate Partner Violence:coming out as a protective factor

The aim of this article is to participate in the debate on the phenomenon of violence in intimaterelationships; a path of dominance and control, often accompanied by abusive behaviour andpower. In particular, we would like to refer to violence in same-sex relationships, where thisimportant role can be detected both from the relational asymmetry of the partner and also from thethreat of a possible outing. It is a widespread phenomenon, yet not sufficiently taken into account,due to the invisibility in which homosexuals live. The inability to come out, is often hampered bysexual prejudices present in many societies – a situation that creates conditions for a lack of asocial support network.This leads to the tendency of the parties concerned to fail to occupy defined positions in theidentification of the dynamics of inner conflict, as well as to highlight aspects of the couplerelationship by minimising the danger of the aggressive behaviour of the male/female partner.Official data relating to the issue in Italy underlines the need to combat the phenomenon effectivelyby integrating interventions with timely and coordinated actions in the social, educational,informational and political environment in relation to sexual discrimination.