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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@womensaidsl
Lanarkshire's Safer Communities and @womensaidSL carried out some excellent partnership work on campus to support the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign. Great work! 👮
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5 months ago by SLCek
Day 8. Move🏃
Exercise can boost our mood & ease feelings of stress or anxiety.
Find ways to keep moving during the short winter days - put on your favourite song & dance while you're tidying up, or go for a walk while you listen to that podcast. Exercise can be fun! 
6 months ago by Liber8888
#16DaysofActivism2021 #WhatWeAreDoing ‘Today I advocated on behalf of a woman to other agencies when she felt unable to explain and express her feelings of intense fear from her partner.’ @womensaidSL Outreach Worker. #WhatAreYouDoing 6 months ago
