The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is standing with LGBTQIA+ communities to ensure that all community members feel seen and supported this LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day.
Held annually on 28 May, the day highlights the importance of increasing visibility, understanding, and access to support for LGBTQIA+ victim-survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV).
DFV can occur across all relationships, regardless of gender, sex, or sexuality, including people from LGBTQIA+ communities.
However, people from LGBTQIA+ communities face unique dynamics that can create additional barriers to reporting DFV to police and accessing support services.
These barriers may include fear of discrimination, stigma, or a lack of inclusive support options.
Recognising and addressing these barriers is critical to ensuring equitable access to safety and justice for all Queenslanders.
QPS is committed to keeping all members of our community safe and ensuring everyone feels supported and protected.
Police respond to an average of 500 DFV-related incidents each day - one every 3 minutes.
Deputy Commissioner John Tims said domestic and family violence can affect anyone, in any relationship.
"The QPS is unwavering in its commitment to keeping all members of our community safe and ensuring that victim-survivors feel supported and empowered to seek help," Deputy Commissioner Tims said.
LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day falls at the end of DFV Prevention Month in Queensland, a time to focus on the importance of collective action and reinforce the message that DFV is never acceptable behaviour.
Queenslanders are encouraged to make meaningful change by supporting all victim-survivors, reporting DFV, and holding perpetrators to account.
For information about how the QPS supports LGBTQIA+ communities, visit www.police.qld.gov.au/police-and-the-community/lgbtqia-communities
LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day is an initiative of LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation.
Learn more at www.dvafoundation.org/how-you-can-help/awareness-day
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, report it to police at www.police.qld.gov.au/domestic-violence and reach out to support services.
If domestic violence is occurring now and someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
For all other DFV-related matters, phone police on 131 444, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
- Diverse Voices: 1800 184 527
- Elder Abuse Helpline: 1300 651 192
Further information and local support service contact details are available at www.qld.gov.au/need-to-know.
