As with many studies into victimisation incurred by lesbians and gay men, there are reasons why official figures may not show the true picture for the persecution incurred by lesbian and bisexual women specifically. Accessing lesbian respondents is more of a problem in LGB&T studies as research suggests that lesbian women are less visible in society (Kitzinger 1987, John and Patrick 1999). Particularly in Northern Ireland, women may fear being ‘out’ about their sexuality if they have children, are in jobs where homosexuality has traditionally been treated with suspicion (such as youth work, nursing or teaching) or if they encounter hostility from openly prejudiced friends, family and work colleagues (Quiery 2002, 2007). The fact that these fears still remain challenges assumptions that it is now ‘easier’ for lesbian women to be open about their sexuality to others around them.