Throughout June, we mark Pride Month to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual) community. Pride Month is also a time to raise awareness about issues which affect the LGBT+ community, advocate for visibility and continue to fight for equality.
Domestic abuse isn’t always well recognised in the LGBT+ community, meaning it often goes unreported and the extent of abuse is unclear. Galop’s statistics show that one in four gay men and lesbian women, and more than one in three bisexual people report at least one form of domestic abuse from the age of 16.
While lesbian women report similar rates of domestic abuse to heterosexual women, gay and bisexual men might be twice as likely to experience domestic abuse as heterosexual men. Trans and non-binary people are also particularly at risk of domestic abuse, and data from SafeLives found that 15% of LGBT+ victim-survivors have been abused by multiple perpetrators.
While there are similarities between domestic abuse in LGBT+ relationships and heterosexual relationships, there are also a number of unique aspects:
- Outing, can often be a form of control and manipulation in LGBT+ relationships, in which a perpetrator may threaten to out an individual’s sexual or gender identity, or HIV status, to family, friends, co-workers, religious communities etc.,
- Abuse associated with sexual orientation or gender identity is also common, as for many LGBT+ victim-survivors the two become associated. Victim-survivors feel they wouldn’t be experiencing the abuse if they weren’t LGBT+ and this can fuel feelings of internalised homophobia.
- There is often an issue with regards to disclosing domestic abuse. Generalised homophobia in society and a lack of understanding means LGBT+ victim-survivors aren’t accessing services at the same rate as others in the population.
At Leeds Domestic Violence Service, we work to support all people, of all gender identities, affected by domestic abuse, and through our Sanctuary Support Team (SST), we offer specialist support for LGBT+ victim-survivors to stay safe in their homes.
We also work in partnership with Yorkshire MESMAC to deliver the Voices Project, working to share the stories of LGBT+ individuals affected by domestic abuse or violence. The project presents these powerful narratives to stakeholders to drive change and raise awareness, ensuring voices are heard and supported. Learn more on the LGBT Voices Project Page.
For support or advice, call our 24hr helpline on 0113 246 0401. In addition to our own services, we can also help you to access specific LGBTQ+ services.
LGBT+ Specialist Services & Resources:
It is widely believed that ‘by and for’ specialist services, led by and designed for specific communities, are best able to understand the contexts and complexities faced by the LGBT+ community needed to support them. Below is a list of specialist LGBT+ services:
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline (Galop): Support LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence across the UK.
Call 0800 999 5428 or email [email protected]Angels of Freedom: The Angels of Freedom is a community-based initiative organised by volunteers which provides visible support for the LGBT+ community based in the Freedom Quarter area of the city every Friday evening.
Out Together: Out Together is a charity that unites LGBT+ generations in Yorkshire. It works together to create a diverse, vibrant and enduring community to overcome the cultural and social barriers.
Loving Me: Provides one-to-one support and advocacy for Trans and Non-Binary victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence aged 18+ in England.
Call 07902 478958 or email [email protected]
Albert Kennedy Trust: Supports LGBT+ aged 16-25 experiencing homelessness or a hostile living environment, ensuring they have a safe place to live.
Visit their website to use their online chat.
Stonewall: List of support services in the sector.
Sources:
https://www.galop.org.uk/resources/myths-and-stereotypes-about-abuse-among-lgbt-people
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