Guidance for multi-agency forums: LGBT+ people
Learn about LGBT+ victims of domestic abuse and how Maracs can support them.
The most common portrayal of domestic abuse is that of a male perpetrator and female victim within a heterosexual relationship. But domestic abuse can happen to anyone and be perpetrated by anyone. This includes people of all gender identities and sexual orientations and in many types of relationships.
In the sixth of our Spotlights series, in 2018, we focused on victims and survivors of domestic abuse who identify as LGBT+. We were delighted to work in partnership with Stonewall, the LGBT+ charity campaigning for acceptance without exception, as our national partner, and Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity, as our specialist domestic abuse partner.
We know that LGBT+ communities encompass a diverse range of people with very different identities and experiences, so we tried to include as many different voices as possible. We explored the different groups and intersections among LGBT+ people and the different barriers they face when accessing services.
About SafeLives’ Spotlights series
Our 2016–2019 Spotlights series shone a light on hidden victims of domestic abuse. We explored the experiences of victim groups who face additional barriers to accessing support, and can feel ‘hidden’ from services. Discover insight from survivors, practitioners, academics and other experts, alongside our own research and data.
Sophie, 19, North East, quoted in Prescription for Change (Stonewall)There is very little information regarding domestic abuse within a lesbian relationship; everything seemed tailored to the heterosexual relationship, and I had to specifically look for information regarding my circumstances.