Most of us have heard the statistic: 1 in 4 women.

But did you know that 2 in 5 gay and/or bisexual men experience intimate-partner abuse in their lifetimes? Or that in one year, 44% of victims in LGBT domestic violence cases identified as men, while 36% identified as women? Or that 30-50% of transgender individuals suffer abuse at the hands of their intimate partners?

The most important thing to remember about domestic violence, more commonly referred to now as "domestic abuse", is that it does not discriminate. The antiquated myth that domestic abuse only affects straight women, and that women cannot be batterers themselves, needs to be erased and rewritten to better reflect the current social climate.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, the lifetime prevalence of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner was 43.8% for lesbians, 61.1% for bisexual women, and 35% for heterosexual women, while it was 26% for gay men, 37.3% for bisexual men, and 29% for heterosexual men. This study did not include gender identity or expression, and was revised in 2013 with new analysis. Additionally, it is the CDC's first-ever study focusing on victimization by sexual orientation.

You may be wondering why no one is seeking and/or taking advantage of services if the situation is so dire.

The fact is that there are many barriers making LGBT individuals hesitant to seek services. These barriers include, but are not limited to: the belief that domestic abuse does not occur in LGBT relationships, societal anti-LGBT bias, lack of appropriate training regarding LGBT domestic abuse for service providers, and the fear that publicizing the issue of domestic abuse in the LGBT community will take away from progress towards equality and further fuel the anti-LGBT bias.

Domestic abuse is an adversary that feeds on hate and hides in silence. There is a great need for more comprehensive programs, service provider training, and shelters regarding domestic abuse cases. The first step is to acknowledge the problem and raise awareness.

If you or someone you know is suffering from any form of domestic abuse, PLEASE consider the following resources:

-National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

-National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE

-National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs: 212-714-1184, www.ncapv.org

-GLBT National Help Center: 1-888-843-4564, www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org

-Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project: 1-800-832-1901, www.gmdvp.org

-Safety Planning Tool (for those who find themselves trapped in abusive relationships): goo.gl/RGo7Qn

Don't be afraid to break the silence. Don't be afraid to break through barriers. Don't be afraid.