LGBTIQ+ Health Australia welcomes the release of the Federal Government’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032 and has called on governments across Australia to fund LGBTIQ+ community-controlled services to implement its recommendations.

LHA Chief Executive Officer Nicky Bath (she/her) said the Plan was a welcome step to tackling the scourge of family, sexual and domestic violence. The government consulted with LGBTIQ+-controlled organisations including LHA in its preparation of the strategy, and LHA’s advocacy played a part in strengthening the Plan’s approach to LGBTIQ+ people.

The world-leading National Plan includes acknowledgement of the unique experience of sexual and gendered violence faced by diverse communities including LGBTIQ+ people, particularly trans and gender diverse people, and young people.

“LGBTIQ+ people experience sexual and gendered violence in disparate ways to other members of our society. It is vital that this is acknowledged, but it is also vital that LGBTIQ+ community-controlled organisations are resourced properly to implement the programs needed to end that violence,” Ms Bath said.

Ms Bath said the sector needs to be prepared to implement the plan. “The organisations and staff on the front line across the sector need to be given appropriate training and resources, especially in how to provide services to LGBTIQ+ survivors of gendered violence in a sensitive and affirming way,” she said.

Ms Bath called on the conversations about the Plan to acknowledge the unique experience of violence that LGBTIQ+ communities and other diverse communities face. “We cannot end violence if it isn’t acknowledged widely across society, particularly in our media.  All stakeholders must recognise the challenges and disparities faced by LGBTIQ+ communities and in the intersections with other diverse communities outlined in the National Plan,” she said.

Please include QLife in any coverage on LGBTIQ+ people, so that those who may be distressed know that support is available. Information about QLife and guidelines when reporting on issues that impact on LGBTIQ+ people and communities are included below.

QLife provides free peer support and referrals for issues around sexuality, gender, bodies and relationships.

QLife: 3pm to midnight, everyday | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au

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LHA reminds media of the Australian Press Council Guidelines which outline the need to balance freedom of the press to inform against the harmful impact that reporting can have on individuals and communities.