Key Facts:
Watch the video: DV-alert: Working with LGBTQ+ Communities
- June marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity, strength, and contributions of LGBTQ+ communities across Australia.
- 41.7% of LGBTQ+ people report having experienced an abusive relationship.
This July, DV-alert launches its first dedicated national workshop focused on supporting frontline workers to recognise, respond to and refer LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic and family violence.
Developed with guidance from LGBTQ+ subject matter experts, practitioners and victim-survivors from across Australia, the DV-alert: Working with LGBTQ+ Communities workshop explores inclusive practice, barriers to support, and practical strategies for recognising abuse, responding safely and connecting people to appropriate services.
DV-alert's National Manager, Vanessa Ambrose, said all frontline workers including those across health, allied health, community and social services play a critical role in early recognition and referral.
"It is important to note that domestic and family violence can affect people of all genders, sexualities and relationship types, which is why it is critical to explore and develop ways to better support diverse experiences," said Ms Ambrose.
"This training provides a safe space for frontline workers to learn, connect and be empowered to recognise and respond confidently to those in need, helping ensure LGBTQ+ people experiencing violence are better recognised, supported and connected to appropriate services."
Content Editor and Subject Matter Expert Dr Paula Fernandez Arias said the workshop was designed to help frontline workers better understand the diverse ways domestic and family violence can present in LGBTQ+ communities.
"LGBTQ+ people and communities can face compounding barriers not only when accessing support, but also in recognising their experiences as domestic and family violence in the first place," she said.
"The research shows that when people do not see themselves reflected in mainstream narratives about who experiences domestic and family violence, they can be less likely to identify abuse and seek help. So, even before they must deal with lack of service provision, they are less likely to seek help in the first place."
"Programs like DV-alert play an important role in strengthening early responses and supporting LGBTQ+ people at a critical point in their journey towards recovery," she added.
Developed through collaboration between government, community organisations, LGBTQ+ subject matter experts and people with lived experience in this area, the workshop marks an important step in strengthening Australia's frontline response to domestic and family violence for LGBTQ+ communities.
Project Manager Jazmeen Payne said that she drew on both her project leadership experience and lived experience as an LGBTQ+ victim-survivor during its development.
"Too many LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic and family violence have carried the added worry of wondering whether the services they turn to will recognise their experiences or know how to respond," she said.
"It can be life-changing when an LGBTQ+ victim-survivor seeks help and are met by frontline workers who understand the realities of LGBTQ+ experiences of domestic and family violence, recognise the barriers people can face when accessing support, and respond in a way that is safe and inclusive. It can be the difference between a victim-survivor disengaging from support and taking the next step towards safety."
"As the Project Manager for this workshop and an LGBTQ+ survivor advocate, I know how powerful an informed response can be. Looking back on my own experiences, I know that access to a workforce equipped with this knowledge and understanding could have made an enormous difference to my journey," she added.
ACON served as DV-alert's pilot workshop partner and, alongside LGBTQ+ organisations from across Australia, contributed to the workshop's development through an expert advisory process. ACON will continue as an ongoing training partner, supporting the national delivery of the workshop alongside DV-alert trainers.
