LGBT domestic violence awareness

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Domestic violence isn't always committed by a man on a woman. Gay advocates say that gay men account for 20% of the domestic violence homicides in Massachusetts, and that's one of the reasons society needs to change the way it thinks about domestic violence.

At a regular meeting of the Governor's Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, dozens of public interest groups updated Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray on their startling findings.

The Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project found that within the last five months there have been three alleged LGBT domestic violence homicides committed in Massachusetts.

The community non-profit believes that figure could be higher as gay male domestic violence often goes underreported.

"LGBT victims and straight male victims of domestic violence can often go unnoticed and have lack of access to services and also a lack of awareness that there are resources out there just because they don't tie in that society has recognized domestic violence can happen to anyone,” said Curt Rogers, a member of the project.

The Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project is conducting outreach programs through a 24-hour hotline and community events.