Domestic violence occurs in gay and lesbian relationships at about the same rate as heterosexual relationships, and is just as dangerous, yet it is rarely discussed or researched.

On Friday, October 2, a day long symposium, "Breaking the Silence: Domestic Violence in Sexual Minority Communities," will be held at Antioch University, 2326 Sixth Avenue in Seattle, from 8:30am-5:30pm. The symposium is the first of its kind in the Northwest.

"Most agencies do not have the information and understanding to intervene when violence occurs in same sex relationships," says Connie Burk , a conference organizer. "This is a great opportunity for agencies and clinicians to learn and develop appropriate responses." Workshop topics include: perpetrator and survivor treatment/services, assessment skills for domestic violence workers, and emerging issues and theories.

The City of Seattle provided a grant for the symposium, which was organized by the Domestic Violence Workgroup. The Workgroup includes participants from the Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities, Antioch University, Seattle Office for Civil Rights, Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities, Advocates for Abused and Battered Lesbians, Northwest AIDS Foundation, and the Seattle Police Department.

 -30-