Throughout Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has been sending the clear message that domestic and family violence (DFV) will not be tolerated.
Domestic and family violence impacts people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and genders.
While statistics are difficult to collate, evidence suggests that over 60 per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people have experienced DFV.
Now in its second year, May 28 marks LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day, which aims to raise awareness of DFV in LGBTQ+ communities.
Founder of LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day and DVConnect Board Member, Senior Constable Ben Bjarnesen, says LGBTQ people face a series of unique circumstances in DFV situations.
"Despite the prevalence, LGBTQ people are less likely to find support services that meet their specific needs, are less likely to identify DFV in their relationships and less likely to report it to the police or to seek support from services, and those who do reach out are less likely to find support services that meet their specific needs," he said.
"The aim of LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day is to raise community awareness of the prevalence of DFV in these communities and remember those who have lost their lives due to DFV."
Reporting domestic and family violence is critical. The QPS takes all reports of DFV seriously and under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act, must investigate all DFV reported to police.
Everyone has the right to live without fear of domestic and family violence, no matter their sexuality or gender identity.
The theme for 2021's LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day is #SeenAndBelieved.
"We need to make sure that LGBTQ people know they are seen, that they will be taken seriously, and that there are organisations who will support them," said Senior Constable Bjarnesen.
"With support for this campaign reaching around the world, including to the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, The Netherlands, Ireland and more, we are hoping to start a conversation about what people can do to ensure all victims and survivors, including our LGBTQ+ communities, are supported if they experience DFV.
"People are also encouraged to learn more about the unique methods of power and control that may be experienced in LGBTQ+ relationships and how to reduce any barriers to reporting.
"Only three in 10 LGBTQ people who have experienced domestic and family violence have told someone about it.
"This day was created to ensure there are no invisible victims of DFV within LGBTQ+ communities."
We all play a part in domestic and family violence prevention, including in LGBTQ+ communities.
Together, we can make a difference.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
