M E D I A   R E L E A S E





For Immediate Release

July 18, 2005

Anti-Violence Project Releases Report on Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual Domestic Violence
Report Notes Two-Year Rise in Reports to the Agency

New York The New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project today released its ninth report on domestic violence in lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual (LGTB) relationships. The report reviews and compares findings for 2003 and 2004.

It is the only comprehensive demographic and statistical report on this subject covering the five boroughs of New York City. The report also includes information and data gathered from around New York State.

The report describes significant increases in new domestic violence incidents reported to the Anti-Violence Project during both years examined in the report. There was a 16% increase in 2003 and a 21% increase in 2004.

“We’ve seen a steady rise in reports of domestic violence and the level of violence involved over the last two years. In 2004 alone, there was a 35% increase in serious injuries and a 71% increase in deaths or murders that occurred as a result of the violence,” stated Clarence Patton, the Anti-Violence Project’s Acting Executive Director.

“What we’re seeing is alarming when you consider that only 16% of the Anti-Violence Project’s domestic violence clients were able to have their batterers arrested. While significant numbers of heterosexual victims of domestic violence can gain immediate orders of protection through the Family Court system, LGTB victims of domestic violence continue to suffer abuse until their batterers commit an arrestable offense that can be tried in Criminal Court, Patton continued.

“The violence we’re seeing reflects domestic violence trends generally, however LGTB survivors continue to be additionally challenged and unfairly endangered because they have fewer options for protection, face bias and even experience further abuse when they do seek help,” concluded Patton.

The report includes a statistical review with highlights on reporting trends, information and definitions and includes survivors’ stories and actual letters to the agency from clients.

For more information call the Anti-Violence Project at 212-714-1184 or visit the Anti-Violence Project’s website at www.avp.org. Click here to download a PDF copy of the report.

The New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is the nation's largest service agency for victims of bias crimes against the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV-affected communities. For nearly twenty-five years, AVP has provided counseling and advocacy for thousands of victims of bias-motivated violence as well as for survivors of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, HIV-related violence, and police misconduct. AVP documents incidents of violence against and within LGTB communities, educates the public about the effects of violence, against or within our communities, and works to reform public policies impacting all lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV-affected people.

AVP provides free and confidential assistance to crime victims through our 24-hour bilingual hotline (212-714-1141).