Lesbian and Gay domestic Violence - If it is happening to you - Domestic Violence Forum - The London borough of Barking and Dagenham.

If it is happening to you

Lesbian and Gay domestic Violence

Domestic violence can and does happen in lesbian and gay relationships. Lesbian and gay experiences of domestic violence are not always recognised and/or acknowledged by individuals and/or agencies. As a consequence lesbians and gay men do not always get the help and support which they need to deal with these experiences.

This "invisibility" can also be a feature within lesbian and gay communities and sometimes prevents lesbians and gay men from identifying their experiences of abusive relationships as domestic violence. This in turn can prevent people from disclosing their experiences to specialist (generic) agencies who may be able to offer support.

Lesbians, gay men and bisexual people can contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline or the new specialist LGBT domestic violence helpline called Broken Rainbow for advice and support but there are currently very few specialist refuges and services for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) clients.

Lesbians can use women's services such as women's refuges although some may be wary of using generic services for fear of homophobia from either staff or heterosexual service users. Staff working in refuges should work within a framework of equality and should challenge homophobic comments and behaviour. Lesbian couples who are fleeing one partner's previous abusive partner (sometimes male) may find it harder to find refuge accommodation as some refuges will not accept couples.

This exclusion ought to be challenged as there is no (non-homophobic) reason why a lesbian couple should not be able to gain access to safe refuge accommodation. The Transgender Recognition Act 2004 also gives male to female transsexuals the right to access women only services.

There are currently very few safe temporary bed spaces specifically available for gay men fleeing domestic violence. The Gay Men's Shared Housing Project (which is London based but which accepts UK referrals) provides 18 bed spaces for gay men escaping domestic and homophobic violence.

If you are a lesbian, gay man or bisexual or transgendered person experiencing domestic violence please read the rest of this website for further information about practical sources of support available. Most options are now available to everyone regardless of gender or sexuality.

The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 and the Civil Partnership Act 2004 have made significant changes to the Family Law Act 1996 which have equalised the rights of lesbian and gay cohabitants with those of heterosexual cohabitants and the rights of lesbian and gay civil partners with those of heterosexual spouses.

Lesbians and Gay men who enter into civil partnerships gain the equivalent of Matrimonial Home Rights (and other rights) previously only given to heterosexual married couples.

This means that lesbians and gay men affected by domestic violence will have greater housing and legal optionsavailable to them.

You may choose to contact a generic or specialist LGBT service for further information, advice and/or support.

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Barking and Dagenham Domestic Violence Forum