Domestic abuse in the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender community is a serious issue. About 25% of LGBT people suffer through violent or threatening relationships with partners or ex-partners which is about the same rate as domestic abuse against heterosexual women. As in opposite-gendered couples, the problem is underreported. Those involved in same-gender abuse are often afraid of revealing their sexual orientation or the nature of their relationship.

 

Outing’ as a method of control

 

The abuser may threaten to ‘out’ the victim to friends, family, religious communities, co-workers and others as a method of control. The abuser may use the close-knit dynamic of the gay and lesbian community, and the lack of support for LGBT people outside the community to further pressure the victim into compliance.

 

Abuse associated with sexual orientation or gender identity 

 

For many people their sexual orientation or gender identity becomes associated with the abuse so that they blame the abuse on being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. A person may feel that they are experiencing this abuse because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender or that if they weren’t lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender they wouldn’t be experiencing it.  This can, therefore, fuel feelings of internalised homo/bi/transphobia.

 

Confidentiality and isolation within the LGBT communities 

 

LGBT communities are often hidden and can rely on friends and relationships for support within the local community; this is often compounded when living in smaller towns and rural areas and can make it difficult for the abused partner to seek help. They may feel ashamed about the abuse, or their partner may have tried to turn others in the community against them. An abusive partner may isolate their partner from contact with the LGBT community by preventing them reading any LGBT papers/magazines etc, or attending LGBT venues or events and preventing them from seeing friends from within the community. This can be especially true for people in their first same-sex relationship who may not have had much contact with the LGBT community before the relationship began.

 

Encouraging Disclosure

 

It can be hard for LGBT domestic violence victims to seek help because they may not want to disclose their sexuality to police or other organisations. Because of the general homophobia and transphobia in modern societies, LGBT victims of partner violence may be concerned about giving gay and lesbian relationships a ‘bad name’ and may refuse to speak up about the abuse they’re suffering. When people do seek help, police and other agencies may misunderstand the situation as a fight between two men or women rather than a violent intimate relationship and, therefore, LGBT people may be discouraged from disclosing if service providers use language which reflect heterosexual assumptions – for example, if it is a woman and she has not disclosed her partner’s sex, don’t ask about her boyfriend/husband or use the word ‘he’ in reference to her partner. If her abuser is a woman she may feel that she cannot disclose this or that it mustn’t count.

 

What you can do if you are experiencing domestic abuse

 

You have the right to be protected from domestic abuse just as anyone else does. You can use any of the services listed below to find the support and advice you need. However, some people might prefer to seek advice from a specialist support agency. You do not have to give your name. They will be able to explain your options and help you plan safely.

 

http://www.endthefear.co.uk/same-sex-domestic-abuse/

 

Support Services

 

Independent Choices Greater Manchester LGBT Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor (IDVA). The IDVA service works with LGBT+ people who are experiencing domestic abuse. For advice and support please contact the helpline on 0161 636 7525 or

email [email protected]  www.domesticabusehelpline.co.uk

 

GALOP provide the national lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans domestic abuse helpline 0300 999 5428 or 0800 999 5428, email [email protected]
 

Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline 0161 636 7525 including Community Helpline Language Service for women of South Asian origin

 

Refuge: Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

 

Advice line for men who are experiencing domestic abuse 0808 801 0327

Greater Manchester domestic abuse website http://www.endthefear.co.uk/

 

The LGBT Foundation Helpline: provides free advice and support on a wide range of issues including domestic violence. A face-to-face counselling service is provided on a sliding scale dependent on ability to pay.
 

Hours Daily 18.00 – 22.00 0845 330 3030
email: [email protected]
web: https://lgbt.foundation/helpline

 

If you are worried someone might see that you have visited this page, the Women’s Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online. 

 

Please copy and paste this link as clicking it will not take you to the page.

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/cover-your-tracks-online/