Domestic abuse and LGBT relationships
Abusive partners in LGBT relationships use all the same tactics to gain power and control as abusive partners in heterosexual relationships, these can include physical, sexual or emotional abuse, financial control, isolation and more.
But in LGBT relationships an abuser can use their partner’s sexuality against them.
Specific behaviours can include:
Threats to ‘out’ i.e. to disclose someone’s sexual orientation or gender identify without their consent, for example to their employer, family or community.
Criticise someone for not being a ‘real lesbian or bisexual woman’, for example if they have only recently come out or had a previous heterosexual relationship.
Say that this is how it is in a LGBT relationship.
Play on fears that no-one will help because someone ‘deserves’ the abuse.
Play on the belief that agencies (like the Police) are either homo or biphobic.
Say that the abuse is mutual, consensual or as an expression of masculinity of some other desirable behaviour.
Say that abuse doesn’t happen in LGBT relationships.
Cut off support to their partner by making out its them who is the problem to family, friends and the community, this can be a particular issue in areas where there are few resources for the LGBT community.
Women can also be abused by former heterosexual partners or by other family members; perhaps after they have come out and go into their first same-sex relationship. In some cases, abusers will use the process of “coming out” as an additional form of control. This can be particularly difficult where children are involved.
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Stable LA funding is possible then 👍🏽#16DaysofActivism #WhatAreYouDoing? 9 hours ago by hrussell__
‘In Conversation: Collaborative and Stable Commissioning for Domestic Abuse Services’ – Scottish Women’s Aid and East Ayrshire Council womensaid.scot/in-conver… 11 hours ago
The family are now listed as homeless and await a permanent offer of accommodation. Staff begin twice weekly support sessions to aid their recovery from domestic abuse. 9 hours ago in reply to womensaidSL- The family were given an address to met our our staff at refuge with their belongings. Staff helped with familiarisation of the space, surroundings and completed paperwork needed. 9 hours ago in reply to womensaidSL
