LGBTQI allies called on to help end domestic violence
Anti-violence advocates are calling on heterosexual and cisgender allies to stand in solidarity with LGBTQI Australians experiencing domestic violence.
More than 60 percent of LGBTQI people say they have experienced domestic or family violence in a relationship; but due to low levels of reporting, victim survivors remain largely invisible.
May 28 marks LGBTQI Domestic Violence Awareness Day, a reminder that violence does not discriminate based on sexuality or gender identity.
Shame, stigma and gender bias in assumptions around domestic violence prevented Luke McIlroy-Ranga from seeking help when he was in a violent relationship.
Currently president of the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, she wants people to understand that there are many intersecting challenges for queer survivors.
“There is often a fear in our communities of being exposed to family, friends and workplaces, and this is often used as a weapon by perpetrators,” Mr Luke McIlroy-Ranga told AAP.
“Drugs for trans communities and HIV-positive people can also be weaponized, so this is important for dedicated LGBTQI domestic violence support services that understand the intersectionality of the issues at hand.”
Sue Webeck, vice president of the foundation, said domestic and family violence within the LGBTQI community is not a private problem but a national crisis.
“While awareness and support is growing, this cannot happen in a vacuum,” he said.
“We must work hand-in-hand with our allies to continue to increase visibility, education, and understanding so they can use their voices in places where ours may not be heard.”
Support services for many LGBTQI victims and survivors remain inaccessible, uninformed or unsafe, and options in regional and remote areas are even more limited.
Victoria’s Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen said internalized homophobia and transphobia could also contribute because people felt no one would believe them if they disclosed a violent relationship.
“The domestic violence sector is not really aware of the needs of LGBTQI people and services and policies can exclude people very easily,” they said.
“It’s really vital that we continue to collaborate and work together to address domestic violence from all angles and check in to make sure policies are inclusive.”
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