Specialist support for LGBT+ victims of domestic abuse

The Doncaster domestic abuse hub is there for ALL victims of domestic abuse. You will be listened to and treated with respect at all times. However, if you would like more specialist support there is help available for you.

LGBTQ victim of domestic abuse mans face with pride colours painted as tears

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 relationship – a woman cannot sexually assault another woman and a man cannot be raped,

These myths and stereotypes make it harder for professionals to feel confident to identify a perpetrator and make it difficult for LGBT+ stories of abuse to be told and heard

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 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)