Fri 28 May is LGBTQ* Domestic Violence Awareness Day.

The day was inaugurated in Brisbane in 2020 by the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation. This year the day will be observed nationally by LGTBIQA+ communities, organisations and their friends, families, and allies.

The theme for this year’s event is #SeenAndBelieved, all those experiencing or who have survived family violence must be heard and responded to.

*This is the official acronym used by the founders of the day.

Family Violence is behaviour by a person towards a family member of that person* that:

• Is physically or sexually abusive
• Is emotionally or psychologically abusive
• Is economically abusive
• Is threatening
• Is coercive
• In any other way controls or dominates the family member and causes the family member to feel fear for the safety or wellbeing of that family member or another person
• Includes behaviour that causes a child to hear or witness, or otherwise be exposed to the effects of above behaviour
  * also covers Family-like relationships which can cover alternative family groups, kinships and carers

Stats on LGBTIQ+ people experience of Family and Intimate Partner Violence

• Australian Research Centre into Sex Health and Society's Private Lives 3 survey 2020 reported that more than 2/5 of people who completed survey reported experiencing IPV
• Almost 2/5 of people who completed survey reported experiencing family violence (70% from parent, 30% from older sibling)
• Less than a third reported the violence to a relevant service.
• Almost half of people who completed survey reported that they had experienced being coerced or forced into a sexual act they did not want to engage in the last 12 months.

Are you experiencing violence in your families or relationships?

Do you feel like a partner or family member is controlling, consistently disrespectful, often puts you down or behaves in harmful ways?

Are the ways you are being treated making you feel afraid, unsafe or worried about your wellbeing? Are you worried about the impact these behaviours are having on other family members, partners, friends and pets?

If you are experiencing any of these you can get support by contacting 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732

Need a safety plan?

Safety planning is thinking about things you can do to be safer when living with violence or abuse

The best way to make a safety plan is with the help of a support service

Trusted friends and family members can also play a role, as well as advocates for older people and people with a disability

• If you would like support with making a safety plan, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or through the online chat service.
• For ideas about creating a safety plan go here https://www.1800respect.org.au/help-and-support/safety-planning

Are you supporting someone who is experiencing Family or intimate partner violence?

You can respond with empathy:

• "that sounds really..."
• "I can hear that ..."

With validation

• "It's really brave of you to share what’s been happening for you..."
• "You are doing a lot to keep yourself and your kids safe..."

By asking about supports to keep safer

• "What do you do to keep safe?"
• "What support do you need to feel safer?"
• "How do you feel about calling the police?"

Check out these resources here https://www.1800respect.org.au/help-and-support/supporting-someone

For further support contact

• Qlife: for LGBTIQA+ peer support, information and referral 3pm – midnight 1800 184 527
• 1800 Respect 24/7 National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800737732
• Ask 1800Respect for a referral to your local Family and Domestic Violence services or click here https://www.1800respect.org.au/services
• Lifeline: 24/7 131 114

For support in your state contact

• ACT Domestic Violence Crisis service 0262800900 (24/7)
• WA 1800Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7)
• NSW RDVSA – LGBTIQ Violence service 1800 497 212 (24/7)
• VIC Safe Steps 18000 15 188 (24/7)
• Rainbow Door 1800 729 367 10-5pm 7 days per week
• QLD DV Connect 1800 811 811 (24/7)
• TAS FV Counselling and Support Service 1800 608 122 (9am -5 weekdays 4pm- midnight weekends/public holidays)
• NT 1800Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7)
• SA 1800Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7)

Developed in collaboration with our member Switchboard.