Domestic violence is often hidden within adult LGBT relationships. Same sex domestic violence is so common that at least 1 in 4 of us will experience it at some time in our lives. It is so hidden in our community that many of us don't recognise when it is happening to us. When we do, we often hide the truth from everyone or worry that there are no services that will help us.
When we talk about domestic violence, we often think it means bruises and broken bones. But that's not all. It includes physical, psychological, sexual, verbal and financial abuse. It may include abuse because of sexuality or gender identity; racist, sexist and ageist abuse; abuse because of religion or belief; and disability.
Broken Rainbow LGBT Domestic Violence Service (UK) was formed in 2002 to give a voice and provide support to LGBT people experiencing domestic violence. Since then, we have helped mainstream domestic violence agencies to understand the needs of LGBT people and provide us with better services.
We have had excellent support from the Home Office, who are our main funders, and also Nationwide Foundation who fund specific areas of our work.
This allows us to run our helpline service that takes calls from LGBT people across the UK, giving safety advice and helping them to find appropriate domestic violence services.
Uni of Sunderland and Uni of Bristol, C Donovan, M Hester, J Holmes & M McCarry, "Comparing domestic abuse in same sex & heterosexual relationships", November 2006.
The research was carried out between January 2005 and November 2006, and was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. It was informed by an Advisory Group consisting of representatives from Broken Rainbow, the Northern Rock Foundation, Northumbria Probation Service, University of Portsmouth Equalities Unit, Central Manchester Women’s Aid, Glasgow Women’s Library, Scottish Equality Network,
Stonewall Cymru and Devon and Cornwall Police.
Sigma Research, L Henderson, "Prevalence of domestic violence among Lesbians & Gay men", March 2003
This small piece of research was commissioned by a television production company which was intending to make a documentary about Lesbians' and Gay men's experience of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence & Abuse. Count Me In, Too: LGBT Lives in Brighton and Hove. By Dr Kath Browne, University of Brighton, and Spectrum.
This report was part of an in-depth analysis which sought to identify and address the needs of LGBT people in Brighton and hove. The report seeks to advance social change for LGBT people who have experienced domestic violence and abuse.
Stonewall carried out a lesbian and bisexual women's health survey called, Prescription For Change. In 2007, Stonewall invited lesbian and bisexual women to complete a survey about their health needs and experiences of the health sector. Over 6,000 women completed the survey, making this the largest survey of lesbian and bisexual women's health needs outside America.
To come in August 2008:
Statistical breakdowns of our calls
