(Sacramento, California) Legislation has been filed in the California Assembly to expand domestic violence services for members of the LGBT community.

Few studies have been done on the issue of abuse within gay households but it is believed to be as widespread as among opposite-sex relationships.

One recent study found that nationwide LGBT domestic violence victims, especially gay men, often are reluctant to report abuse. Another study found that 57 percent of LGBT victims become homeless due to the abuse; 18 percent “lose everything.”

Agencies that deal with the abused across the country frequently have little understanding of LGBT partner abuse and few services, including shelter are available.

The California law, originally passed in 2006, was the first of its kind in the country. The new bill, filed by Assembly Member John A. Perez (D) would make more resources available.

“This bill would help support innovative program models that are proven most effective in serving LGBT survivors of violence, such as those being pioneered by LGBT centers and organizations across the state,” said Perez in a statement.

The legislation would expand the number of providers who can apply for grants through CALEMA and eliminate the requirement to provide shelter services in order to qualify for funding. Studies have shown that most LGBT domestic violence survivors do not typically access services through shelters.

“We must take whatever steps we can to ensure that LGBT survivors of domestic violence have access to culturally competent care and resources,” said Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California.