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Research shows that domestic abuse is prevalent in mixed sex and same sex relationships. In Barnsley, domestic abuse is taken seriously no matter what relationship or sexual orientation. It is realised that people from same sex relationships may not be out and that this may be one of the reasons that this type of crime is under reported. The front line staff from the
agencies contained in this booklet are sensitive to this and realise that relationships are unique to everyone, and no two relationships are the same.
Similarities and Differences
Domestic violence and abuse has long been one of the LGBT communitys nastiest secrets. In some ways violence in LGBT relationships resembles violence in heterosexual relationships. In other ways however, violence in LGBT relationships differs from violence in heterosexual relationships.
| Similarities | Differences |
| Violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial. | LGBT people who are abused have much more difficulty finding support |
| The purpose of abuse is to get and maintain control and power ove rones intimate partner. | The isolation, that already accompanies being an LGBT person in a heterosexual society, is compounded and made worse by domestic abuse. The silence about domestic abuse within LGBTcommunities further isolates the victim/survivor and the perpetrator as well. |
| The victim may feel isolated,terrified and debilitated by the violence and abuse. | Utilising existing services may be almost the same as coming out which is a major life decision. It is assumed that two men in a fight constitutes a fight between equals.GBT men often reject the idea that they can be victims within their own community. We often assume that the size of a person or the role they may favour in a relationship is a determinate of who may be the perpetrator. |
| Abuse does not happen all the time, it often occurs in a cyclical manner. | LGBT people approach most statutory agencies with great caution. For fear of further victimisation. |
| Unpredictable attacks are part of the abuse. | In rural areas and smaller towns LGBT communities are small and often isolated. Privacy is difficult to maintain and the likelihood is that the victim will be outed and rejected or excluded from the LGBT community for speaking out. |
| The victim/survivor may feel they cannot do anything right. | Victims may not be as financially dependent on their partners, and children may not be a consideration as often. |
| Domestic abuse can be lethal. | |
| The myth persists that abuse is a relationship problem and may be mutual. | |
| Perpetrators may work as advocates for victims, or take on other high profile political or professional work and hide the terror they wield at home. | |
| Most research shows that violence and abuse in LGBT relationships occurs at the same rate as heterosexual relationships, between one in three and one in four. | |
| Race, class, religion, politics,education and professional or social status do not indicate whether or not abuse will take place in an intimate relationship. | |
| Financial dependence may be a major factor when assisting victims. | |
| Perpetrators believe that they have the right to feel good about themselves by making others feel bad. | |
| Abuse in the home severely impacts on children living in that home, whether or not they are a direct recipient of abuse. | |
| Substance abuse may make | |
The following is from the Crown Prosecution Service to help you have confidence in the criminal justice system:-
We recognise that domestic abuse has been happening to lesbian, gay and transsexual people within their families. We call this homophobic and transphobic domestic abuse but, in the past, it was often wrongly described as queer bashing, bullying or hate crime. Well over a third of young LGBT people face domestic abuse from family members, often forced to leave home too soon. Many have to deal with this as well as homophobic bullying in school and lose out on their right to a decent education.
Domestic abuse is so common that at least 1 in 4 people will experience it at some time in their lives. It is so hidden in the community that many dont recognise when it is happening. Like heterosexual relationships, often they hide the abuse form their family and friends.
Your right to fair treatment
We aim to respond appropriately to the needs of all victims of domestic abuse regardless of their gender or that of their abuser. We believe that people have a right to feel safe and be safe in their personal relationships and in their sexual orientation.
When prosecuting cases of domestic abuse, the definition used is any criminal offence arising out of physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse by one person against a current or former partner in a close relationship, or against a current or former family member.
This definition includes all forms of violent and controlling behaviour, for example harassment, assaults or threats. Further examples can be seen by clicking on the following link www.cps.gov.uk - Policy for Prosecuting Cases of Domestic Violence.
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