Every 45 seconds, someone is sexually assaulted in the United States. Out of 6 women, one has experienced an attempted rape or a complete rape. Lesbians and bisexual women continue to be at greater risk of sexual victimization than heterosexual women. In order for a woman to determine the direction of her life, she must first determine her sexuality. Sexuality is a profound and integral part of the life of every human being. This should not be the subject of coercion or debate. Society must recognize that a woman has the right to freely predetermine her sexuality without oppression and discrimination (Burn, 2004). Traditionally, women throughout history and culture have taken on the role of an independent, non-heterosexual, female-connected existence. Lesbianism according to the review of ancient literature has always existed. The practice has always been unacceptable and deviant. Lesbians are raped more often than other women. All over the world, lesbians are subjected to verbal and physical abuse. In most cultures, lesbianism occurs before heterosexual marriages. These facts were collected by Faderman in 1981. Female-female romantic relationships were found in European communities from the 17th century to the early 20th century after studying fiction and poetry written during this period (Burn, 2004). Today many societies consider bisexuality and homosexuality to be a disease. Corporations completely deny their existence. However, biologists and psychologists believe that both are simple examples of many human variations. After successful lobbying by gay and lesbian political organizations in 1974, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. The APA now takes the position that homos...... middle of paper ......(2010). External barriers to help-seeking encountered by Canadian gay and lesbian victims of intimate partner abuse: An application of the barriers model. Violence and victims, vol. 25(4), 536-552.Pinto, S. (2012). Intimate partner violence: sexual abuse. CINHAL Nursing Guide. 1-2. Renzetti, C. M. (1996). The poverty of services for battered lesbians. Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, Vol. 4, pp 61-68. Tigert, L.M. (2001). The power of shame: Lesbian beatings as a manifestation of homophobia. Women and therapy, vol. 23, pp 73-85. Walters, M. L. (2011). Straighten up and act like a lady: A qualitative study of lesbian survivors of intimate partner violence. Journal of gay and lesbian social work. vol. 23, pp 250-270.West, C. M. (2002). Lesbian intimate partner violence: Prevalence and dynamics. Journal of Lesbian Studies, Vol. 6(1), pages 121-127.