Domestic violence in
LGBT relationships
Domestic violence is classed as any type of abusive behaviour by either partner that attempts to achieve and sustain control over the other; it is all about power and control, trying to manipulate and dominate the other.
Domestic violence can take many forms including:
- Emotional abuse.
- Psychical violence.
- Sexual assault.
- Social or financial control.
It happens across all communities, all classes, long term or short term relationships, social classes, ages, different cultures. It can also happen in all types of relationships... even in LGBT relationships. Surveys show that at least 1 in 3 LGBT people experience domestic violence. LGBT domestic violence exists. It is real.
For many LGBT people, the reality of LGBT relationship violence is rarely discussed so it is not even surprising to hear that some LGBT people will not know where to get help from. It may be hard for the victims to seek help as they may not want to disclose their sexuality because of the general homophobia or transphobia in modern society.
If you are experiencing violence in a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender relationship you do not have to suffer in silence, no one deserves relationship abuse.
Broken Rainbow LGBT Domestic Violence (UK) was started in 2002, their objectives is to relieve the distress and suffering caused to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people by domestic violence and abuse, they achieve this by offering advice, support and referral services to LGBT people experiencing homophobic, transphobic and same sex domestic violence. More information can be found www.broken-rainbow.co.uk
Norfolk Constabulary has specially-trained domestic abuse officers who you can chat to in confidence. If you are a victim of domestic violence you will be treated with sensitivity and each incident will be investigated fully. Norfolk Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service work together with Victim Support, Witness Services to provide a service in which victims of crime can feel confident in. In an emergency always call 999.
