Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) victims of battering face a number of obstacles to getting help. Misperceptions that GLBT people who are battered participate in mutually abusing each other and that abuse is part of a perceived dysfunctional relationship can result in health-care providers and law enforcement failing to respond appropriately to GLBT abuse sufferers. The mere inexperience that professionals have in managing intimate partner violence in GLBT relationships can also interfere with victims and perpetrators receiving appropriate and timely help.