Services for Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender people

The following information was taken with permission from “Another Closet” produced by the Same-Sex Domestic Violence Interagency.

Domestic violence in same sex and heterosexual relationships share many similarities, including the types of abuse and the impact on the abused partner. However, there are a number of aspects that are unique to same sex domestic violence. These include:

‘Outing’ as a method of control:  If the abused partner isn’t out to their family, friends, and workmates the abusive partner may use ‘outing’ or the threat of ‘outing’ as a method of control.

Domestic violence isn’t well understood in the community: There hasn’t been much information or discussion in the gay and lesbian communities about domestic violence in relationships. Most information on domestic violence relates to heterosexual relationships with the man as the perpetrator. This lack of understanding means that some people may not believe it happens in same sex relationships, recognise abuse as domestic violence and/or know how to respond.

Confidentiality and isolation within the gay and lesbian communities: The relatively small size of the gay and lesbian communities, especially in smaller cities and rural areas, can make it difficult for the abused partner to seek help. They may feel embarrassed about the abuse or their partner may have tried to turn others in the community against them. An abusive partner may isolate the other from contact with the gay and lesbian community by preventing them reading the community media, attending events or seeing their friends. This is especially true for people in their first same-sex relationship who may not have had much contact with the community before the relationship began.

“Most same-sex relationships are built on love and respect. Some are built on abuse and control. Abuse and control in a relationship is domestic violence.” (Another Closet)

Support Services

ACON COUNSELLING • 02 9206 2000 
(call between 11am- 1pm for intake)

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LINE • 1800 656 463

INNER CITY LEGAL CENTRE, SAFE RELATIONSHIP PROJECT • 02 9332 1966
Call for an appointment

ACON ANTI-VIOLENCE PROJECT • 1800 063 060
AVP (10am- 6pm) report line • 02 9206 2116 
Online reporting 24/7 • www.acon.org.au/anti-violence/report-to-AVP
Provides support, referrals, advice and advocacy for victims of domestic and homophobic violence. Online and phone reporting of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) domestic violence and homophobic violence.

PFLAG NSW Inc • 02 9294 1002
www.pflagaustralia.org.au
Support for parents, families and friends of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (GLBTI) people and GLBTI people themselves through monthly family meetings, phone and email, resource material and extensive library of books and DVDs. Meeting Address: Wesley Lodge Motel, cnr of Hawkesbury and Queens Rds., Westmead. 4th Wednesday of each month (except December) at 7.30pm.

POLICE GAY AND LESBIAN LIAISON OFFICER • 02 9281 0000

Q LIFE • 1800 184 527
Counselling and referral service for people of diverse sex, gender and sexualities.