Support for Professionals
How to support lesbian and gay people affected by Domestic Violence
- Domestic violence within lesbian and gay relationships should be taken as seriously as heterosexual domestic violence. It is wrong to consider violence and abuse within lesbian and gay relationships as "fighting". Lesbian and gay perpetrators (like heterosexual perpetrators) of domestic violence use violence and abuse as a means of gaining power and control over their partners. You cannot assume that same sex relationships exist on a basis of equality any more than heterosexual relationships do. Always prioritise the safety of your clients regardless of their gender or sexuality.
- Ensure that all staff are aware that domestic violence affects lesbians and gay men as well as heterosexuals and that all staff are able to support clients appropriately regardless of their sexuality.
- Try to avoid making assumptions about clients' sexuality based on things like how they look, speak, whether they have children and whether they are experiencing domestic violence. Your assumptions may be wrong!
- Gay men who have recently ended or are trying to end abusive relationships may be at risk of extreme (life threatening) violence.
Gay men experience equally high levels of violence from
abusive (ex) partners as heterosexual women.
- You may wish to contact Broken Rainbow for display posters which can be put in public areas so that LGBT clients who do not wish to disclose their sexuality and/or experiences of domestic violence are still able to access an appropriate confidential service.
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If you work within a generic domestic violence project try to display LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) images/references in publicity materials and/or display posters so that LGBT clients know that your service is available for them as well as for heterosexual clients. If you work in a women only service have the ability and knowledge to refer gay men experiencing domestic violence to appropriate support services.
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Lesbians and gay men experiencing domestic violence may be fearful of "coming out" (disclosing their sexuality) to others including generic support agencies. Displaying lesbian and gay friendly posters can offer reassurance that it is safe for lesbians and gay clients to be open about their sexuality when using your service. Ensure that you do not disclose somebody's sexuality to other individuals or agencies without their consent. This could potentially expose them to homophobia and may prevent them from trusting you again in the future.
- If you work in a women's refuge raise the issue of offering equal services to lesbians. If your refuge does not take lesbian couples who are fleeing one partner's former (possibly male) abusive partner suggest that this policy is reviewed as the only reason heterosexual couples are not allowed in refuges is because refuges are women only. There is no justifiable reason to exclude lesbian couples where neither partner is a perpetrator.
- If you are working with lesbians in a women only service be mindful of the fact that lesbian abusers may also access your service. Ensure client confidentiality and prioritise safety at all times.
- Offer diversity training to staff members and always challenge homophobia amongst staff and service users. Ensure that your service is genuinely inclusive.
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