LGBTQIA+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day is held annually on May 28.
First launched in 2020, this day shines a light on intimate partner violence, family violence, and abuse within LGBTQIA+ communities.
Everyone deserves to live free from violence. However, for many LGBTQIA+ people, this is not their reality. Research shows that more than 60% of LGBTQIA+ individuals will experience domestic, family, or intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Despite this, many victims remain unseen, and reporting rates are low.
One reason for this is that the person using abuse may convince their partner that their behaviour is normal. If you or someone you know feels uneasy in a relationship but can’t quite pinpoint why, it may be a sign you are experiencing abuse. Abuse can start subtly—through controlling gestures, constant criticism, or making you feel guilty for doing things you enjoy. Over time, this can escalate, making you feel trapped or powerless.
Signs of Abuse
When you think about your relationship do you have feelings of being:
- Guilty, alone, or depressed?
- Panicked or frightened?
- Trapped and unable to cope?
- Like it’s all in your mind?
- Responsible for your partner’s actions?
Does your partner:
- Check up on you all the time with phone calls, text and messaging? Blame you when things go wrong?
- Control, invalidate or ridicule your gender expression, including hurtful comments about ‘passing’?
- Isolate you from your support network, LGBTIQA+ spaces, chosen family or community?
- Control your finances or access to essentials, including medication?
Abuse can take many forms, and no one deserves to experience it. If this sounds familiar, know that it is not your fault and support is available.
Engender Equality provides free, confidential counselling and support in Tasmania. Contact us at (03) 6278 9090, admin@engenderequality.org.au.
If you are in danger, call 000.
By Adrian, LGBTQIA+ Family Violence Practitioner, Engender Equality
