everywoman’s center
university of massachusetts, amherst, MA. 01003
ewc main office: (413) 545-0883 (TDD)
24-hour hotline: (413) 545-0800 or 1-888-337-0800
Definition of Lesbian Battering
Lesbian battering is “a pattern of intimidation, coercion, terrorism, or violence employed
by a lesbian to control the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors of her partner or to punish her
for resisting the perpetrator’s control over her.” Battering may include but is not limited to:
Biting; scratching; kicking; punching; slapping; stomping; throwing down stairs or
against walls; locking in a confined space; tickling until loss of breath or panic.
Sleep interference; deprivation of heat or food; destruction of eyeglasses, hearing aids,
wheelchairs, canes.
Rape; sex on demand; sexual manipulation; weapons utilized or threatened sexually;
forced sex with others; sadomasochism; involuntary prostitution; coercing monogamy
or nonmonogamy; denial of reproductive rights; physical assaults during sexual
encounters; sexually degrading language.
Arson; tampering with vehicle; slashing clothing and furniture; abusing and/or killing
pets; breaking and entering; stealing; pulling out telephones; cutting wires; breaking
household items.
Control over income, assets, and spending; destruction of property; interfering with
employment or education; forcing financial support; forbidding employment.
Humiliation; lying degradation; isolation; withholding crucial information; selection of
friends, entertainment, and religious experience; telling the victim she is crazy, ugly,
stupid, or weak; selection of food; pouting, withdrawal, or bouts of fury.
Using racism, ablism, ageism, anti-Semitism, and/or economic leverage to insult and
foster fear, hopelessness, and isolation.
Threats to commit any of the above; threatening violence against self or a third party;
stalking; harassment.
Adapted from Naming the Violence: Speaking Out About Lesbian Battering, edited by Kerry Lobel.