DOJ to Protect Gay Victims of Domestic Violence

The Department of Justice issued a legal opinion that clearly states gays abused by their partners should be protected under federal domestic violence laws.

The opinion pertains to the Violence Against Women Act and clarifies that victims of same-sex domestic violence should be safeguarded by the 1994 law. The Human Rights Campaign advocated for gays to be considered under the act, and the group released the following statement, "The memorandum, which was produced by the Office of Legal Counsel, provides that criminal provisions related to domestic violence, stalking, and protection order violations apply to conduct when the offender and victim are the same sex."