Domestic Violence in Gay Relationships.
Are you sometimes afraid of your partner, someone you live with or someone in your family?
Violence exists in gay relationships as well. But you don't have to be a victim, help is available.
You have the right to feel safe and that includes when you are at home or with the person you love. Unfortunately, there can be violence in gay relationships too. Here is some information about Domestic Violence and what you can do about it if you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is not always physical so the signs may not be obvious. Domestic violence includes action like controlling a person's social life and isolating them, destroying their property and verbal threats. It is common for people who are experiencing domestic violence to blame themselves for their partner's actions.
How Common is Same Sex Domestic Violence?
Research quoted by Broken Rainbow indicates that 1 in 4 LGBT people experience domestic violence. Gay partner abuse is common. If you are experiencing violence from your same sex partner or in your family, you are not alone.
What you can do about same sex domestic violence.
In an emergency, contact the police. If you are recovering from domestic violence or are seeking a way out, you can also contact a counsellor or therapist. A counsellor can help you move forward after leaving a situation of same sex domestic violence or a situation where you are subject to violence because you are or someone in your family or household thinks you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
Here are some local services and organisations that can help you if you are concerned about violence in your gay relationship or from members of your family or household.
Where to Get Help.
United Kingdom.
Broken Rainbow provides support for LGBT people in the UK experiencing domestic violence.
Australia
In NSW there are gay and lesbian Liaison officers as well as domestic violence liaison officers attached to police stations who have special training to help anyone experiencing physical danger, threats or stalking. Call the Police Switchboard on (02) 9281 0000 and ask for nearest liaison officer. The Department of Community Services operates a Domestic Violence helpline 24 hours a day 7 days a week and their staff are trained to assist gay and lesbian callers. Freecall: 1800 65 64 63. (You will be charged a cost for making this call from a mobile and the number will appear on your bill. If calling from a landline it is free and will not appear on your bill).
More information about other Australian services for LGBT people experiencing domestic violence can be found at Another Closet, ACONs site for domestic violence.
Canada
Alliance to End Violence is an organisation based in Calgary but their site contains links to services across Canada that can help if you are subject to domestic abuse and you are gay.
If you live in Nova Scotia, you can contact the Alternatives Institute, a non profit association which offers help to people who are experiencing violence, hurting or in pain.
United States
Contact the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence for information about gay friendly services for those facing domestic abuse.
New Zealand
Contact the confidential telephone counselling service Outline for information and support in your area
