The Police Service of Northern Ireland is today supporting LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse Awareness Day, reinforcing the message that domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Domestic abuse can take many forms including emotional, physical, sexual, financial abuse and coercive control. However, LGBTQ+ individuals may face additional barriers to reporting, including fear of discrimination, stigma, or concerns about being “outed”.
Over the last year, on average 10% of domestic abuse reports made to the PSNI involved a same sex victim and offender.
Does your partner use your sexuality by:
- Telling you that all abuse is 'mutual' in a same sex / lesbian / gay relationship?
- Making threats to 'out' you at work, with family or friends?
- Questioning where you go, or put you down for going out on the Scene?
- Getting jealous, possessive or angry about your friends or family?
- Telling you you're not a real LGBTQ+ person based on how you look, act, or past relationships?
Do you:
- Feel responsible for your partner's behaviour and take the blame for their problems?
- Worry about upsetting your partner, or being the cause of an argument?
- Sometimes get the 'silent treatment' and feel on edge?
- Feel nervous in your partner's company, but when away from them feel more confident and easier?
Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Public Protection Branch said:
“Domestic abuse is never acceptable. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their relationships, regardless of who they are or who they love.
“Recently we held a number of community based listening events to uncover hidden harm in the form of domestic abuse. These events were to listen and learn from the experiences of those in minority groups across Northern Ireland and the specialist services that support them.
“We know more needs to be done to reach out to communities like our vibrant LGBTQ+ network here in Northern Ireland to break down reporting barriers and ensure that they know we are here to help all.
“Over the next year and beyond we will be using learning from these events to build on public facing awareness messaging to encourage reporting.
“We recognise that LGBTQ+ individuals may face additional barriers in seeking help, and we want to be clear that support is available, confidential, and free from judgement.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland continues to work with partner agencies to improve trust, reporting confidence, and access to support services for all communities, including The Rainbow Project who support our LGBTQ+ communities: https://www.rainbow-project.org/crime-and-violence/
Anyone affected by domestic abuse is encouraged to reach out and contact Police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999. You can also report online here: https://www.psni.police.uk/report
24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline:
Available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual abuse, now or in the past. It is open to all women and men affected by domestic and sexual violence. Please phone 0808 802 1414.