The Boston Globe reports that a series of killings of gay men and women by their partners has alarmed advocates, who say the deaths reflect a serious problem of domestic violence in the gay community that draws scant attention from many in law enforcement.
Since 2010, there have been seven killings as a result of domestic violence, a sharp increase from prior years when advocates reported one to three such homicides.
Last month, a 47-year-old man was accused of stabbing his boyfriend then burying his body beneath a porch in Winthrop.
The Globe reports that advocates say many police, prosecutors, and judges lack the sensitivity and training to help gays, lesbians, and transgender people who are victims of abuse. Often, authorities fail to recognize who is the batterer in such relationships and who needs help.
Advocates say there is a deep resistance from some police departments to learn more about the issue. They report dropping off brochures about services for victims only to have officers scoff or discard them.
