LGBTQ+ People
Last updated May 12, 2023
DFV can happen to any person in any type of relationship. People in same-sex relationships can be a perpetrator or victim/survivor of domestic violence.
Research indicates that LGBTQ+ people experience DFV at similar rates to the general population (Noonan, Hooper, Stanford, Alphonso, & Q Rise, n.d.). However, LGBTQ+ people can also be the victims of gender-based violence influenced by intersexism, biphobia, transphobia, homophobia, heterosexism, and cisgenderism.
Additionally, LGBTQ+ people may fear being outed due to the risk of violence, discrimination, or social exclusion. Outing is when a person’s gender, sex, sexuality, or HIV status is disclosed without their consent. Using outing, or the threat of outing, is a form of coercive control and abuse.
Some LGBTQ+ people may fear disclosing that they are experiencing DFV due to social isolation or the risk of social isolation. Some LGBTQ+ people may not have social supports due to being ostracised by family and friends due to their sexuality, sex, or gender. LGBTQ+ communities can be small and interconnected. A victim of DFV may fear that disclosure of DFV may result in being excluded from community.
Services Not Developed for LGBTQ+ People
DFV services are typically designed to meet the needs of people impacted by violence by men towards women, therefore, this can make it difficult for LGBTQ+ people to find services that understand and meet their needs.
Where services don’t have policies around the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, it may lead these people to assume they are unable to access the service or increase fear of violence or discrimination from workers or other service users.
Where an LGBTQ+ patient discloses that they are impacted by DFV, a practitioner can respond as they would with other presentations of DFV. Other steps that practices can take to ensure the safety of LGBTQ+ people may include:
- Promoting sensitivity at your practice by using visual indicators of LGBTQ+ inclusion and implementing inclusive practice policy with anti-discrimination statements
- When a patient discloses DFV, do not make assumptions about the nature of the relationship or the gender of the person using violence
- Listen carefully to fully understand the patient’s needs and priorities
- When providing referrals for LGBTQ+ patients, provide options for referral to both LGBTQ+ focused services or workers and LGBTQ+ safe mainstream services where available
- Do not disclose a patient’s gender, sex, or sexuality without their consent
Getting more information
For more information about how your practice can support LGBTQ+ people impacted by DFV, see the below services.
Say It Out Loud
A national website for LGBTQ+ communities and to build the capacity for service professionals working with people who have experienced DFV.
Strong Safe Fabulous
Making LGBTQ+ communities safer by changing the attitudes and beliefs which lead to domestic and family violence.
LGBTIQ Health Australia
Supporting you and your practice as you work with LGBTIQ People impacted by DFV.
ACON
Resources, research, training, and referral pathways for LGBTQ+ people impacted by DFV.
Pride in Health
LGBTI Domestic and Family Violence: A guide to best practice for workplace policy.
References
- Noonan, K., Hooper, R., Stanford, C., Alphonso, R., & Q Rise. (n.d.). Key Messages: Abuse in the LGBTQ+ Community.