Domestic Abuse Support
There are many myths and stereotypes which minimise the experience for LGBT+ victims of abuse and make it difficult for victims to seek help. Common myths and stereotypes are:
- Abuse doesn't happen in same-sex relationships Abuse in same-sex relationships is not as serious as heterosexual abuse
- Abuse is more likely to be mutual
- Abuse is about size and strength - an abusive lesbian will be the more masculine one and a gay male victim will be the smaller one.
- Sexual abuse does not happen in same-sex relationships – a woman cannot sexually assault another woman and a man cannot be raped
- Domestic abuse services don't support LGBT+ victims
These are all false!
Existence of LGBT+ Domestic Abuse:
- 25% of lesbian and bisexual women have experienced domestic abuse in a relationship (Stonewall, 2017)
- Almost half (49%) of gay and bi men have experienced at least one incident of domestic abuse from a family member or partner since the age of 16 (Stonewall, 2017)
- 80% of trans people have experienced emotional, sexual, or physical abuse from a partner or ex-partner (Scottish Transgender Alliance, 2010)
- There are also some issues which are unique to the experiences of LGBT+ people
- The perpetrator may threaten to 'out' the victim to friends, family, colleagues, and others as a method of control
- A victim may believe they deserve abuse due to internalised negative beliefs about themselves
- With specific reference to trans people, the perpetrator may withhold medication or prevent treatment needed to express the victim's gender identity
- Refuse to use correct pronouns and prevent the abused from telling other people about their trans identity
- Ridicule the person's body image (body shaming) In Doncaster, there are specialist support services that welcome LGBT+ victims.
Find out more at www.doncaster.gov.uk/domesticabuse or call the Doncaster Domestic Abuse Hub on 01302 737080
If you are a survivor of domestic abuse and want to tell us about your experience and help improve services for other victims please complete an anonymous questionnaire at http://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/crime-anti-social-behaviour-nuisance/domestic-abuse-have-your-say
or go to www.doncaster.gov.uk/domesticabuse and click on Have Your Say.