Gay/Lesbian Kights and Definitions of the Family 221remains evident that battered women need to be provided with information about
arrest policies and protection orders. If battered women decide to take steps to ame-
liorate their difficulties with violent partners, it is imperative that they are provided
with adequate protection from their abusers. If issues such as these are thoroughly
considered and implemented, scenarios like that of Ms. Malott's and Ms. Stewarts
may be avoided. Conversely, if domestic violence continues to be imderpnoritized,
the issue is likely to go unabated and remain an intractable problem.
Suggestions for Future Research
Over the past 2 decades, research on domestic violence offenders has expanded.
However, relatively scant research exists which assesses the legal and psychological
impact of the victims in question. Further research is needed to learn what legal
and psychological interventions can be implemented to better serve those who are
victimized by such abuse. The studies will need to ascertain the efficiency and
effectiveness of such interventions and analyze the feasibility of devising remedial
methods which can also be implemented.
As research on the profiles of abusers gains more validity, treatment studies can
be included to ascertain what type of treatment works best with what type of
abuser. It would be beneficial to study if varying treatment modalities differ in terms
of effectiveness and, if so, more efficient interventions may evolve. Furthermore,
researchers are also encouraged to examine more closely the options available for
handling domestic violence situations including mandatory arrest, protection orders,
and options for prosecuting batterers. For example, states which utilize mandatory
arrest laws or any other laws pertinent to domestic violence can be compared to
those which do not. Studies such as these are likely to enhance the opportunities
and resources available to victims of domestic violence.
GAY/LESBIAN RIGHTS AND DEFINITIONS
OF THE FAMILY
Introduction
The dynamics of contemporary families have shifted away from the "ideal" context
of the nuclear family. Single-parent households are becoming increasingly com-
monplace and, more importantly, there has been an increase in the formation of
gay and lesbian families. However, little attention, if any, is paid to how parental
rights have often been denied to lesbian or gay individuals. Common misconcep-
tions about gay and lesbian families only serve to hinder the development of laws
and policies which favor artificial insemination, adoption, and foster care. For ex-
ample, many people believe that children of homosexuals are apt to acquire parental