Battering is not just a fight, it is a method of power and control. The abusers manipulates the victim into believing that she is equally responsible if she takes self-defense action. Physical injury isn't as great in lesbian abusive relationships. In any abusive relationship, the size of the batter doesn't determine the amount of damage sustained by the violence. Intense anger or range can enable a smaller person to overwhelm a larger person.
Battered lesbians are as likely to call themselves victims as are hetereoseuxal women.
Denial by lesbian victims is often quite deep because of the myth that women don't learn violence and the myth of mutual battering. This makes it difficult for many lesbians to speak out. There are also fewer resources available for lesbian survivors. Homosexuals fear that acknowledging same-sex domestic violence could reinforce homophobia and negative stereotypes. It is no more difficult for a battered lesbian to seek help than it is for a heterosexual victim.