This guide is a short introduction to LGBT+ experiences of domestic abuse. It will explore how domestic abuse can look different for LGBT+ people, and act as a resource for where you can access support. If what you read here feels familiar or if you feel you're at risk in any way, then please reach out for support.

RESOURCES FOR SUPPORT ARE LISTED AT THE END OF THIS GUIDE

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WHAT IS DOMESTIC ABUSE?

Domestic abuse includes physical abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, sexual abuse, economic abuse, and psychological abuse.

In English and Welsh law, all parties must be over the age of 16, and there must be a personal connection between you. For example, you could be:

• Married or in a civil partnership to each other
• In, or have previously been in, an intimate relationship with one another
• In, or have been in, a parental relationship to the same child
• Relatives (this is sometimes also known as 'familial abuse')

It's important to remember that domestic abuse can happen to anyone from any background or identity, and it can look very different depending on the situation.

If you are concerned about your immediate safety or the immediate safety of anyone else around you, please call 999.

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UNDERSTANDING LGBT+ EXPERIENCES OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

It's also important to understand that LGBT+ experiences of domestic abuse are not regularly talked about or taught, so it can be difficult to know if it's something that you're experiencing.

Domestic abuse for LGBT+ victims and survivors can look exactly like it does for cisgender, heterosexual victims and survivors. However, LGBT+ people can experience types of domestic abuse that specifically target their LGBT+ identity. Some examples of this are:

• Threatening to 'out' someone. For example, threatening to disclose someone's romantic or sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status without consent.
• Coercive and controlling behaviour around someone's romantic or sexual orientation and/or gender identity. For example, forcing someone to keep their identity or the relationship a secret.
• Denying that LGBT+ people can experience domestic abuse.
• Isolation from the LGBT+ community. For example, creating distance from friends, family, or social spaces.
• Denying or controlling someone's hormones or gender-affirming medication.
• Trying to 'change' or suppress someone's orientation or gender identity.
• Pressuring someone into chemsex or using substances to control them.

This is just a short guide on LGBT+ experiences of domestic abuse. If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of anyone else, please reach out for support. There are services available that want to help. And remember, you can reach out even if you're unsure whether what you experienced was domestic abuse.

If you're a professional wanting to learn more about LGBT+ experiences of domestic abuse, please contact training@galop.org.uk

LGBT+ PEOPLE CAN AND DO EXPERIENCE DOMESTIC ABUSE. YOUR EXPERIENCES ARE REAL AND VALID.

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WHERE TO FIND SUPPORT

If you have any concerns about your safety or the safety of anyone around you, it's important to know you're not alone. Here are some of the ways you can reach out for support:

• If you have safe and trusted people in your life, then you could begin to tell them what has been happening. It might be good to have a 'safe word' which you can send them in an emergency, so they can call 999 if needed.
• If you want to speak with another LGBT+ person, you can call Galop's National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence on 0800 999 5428. Our Helpline is free, confidential, and run by trained advisors. You can also read more information at www.galop.org.uk/help or email help@galop.org.uk
• You can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 2000 247. It's a free 24/7 service.
• If you would like to report domestic abuse, you can speak to the police. You can go to a police station, call 101 (the police non-emergency number), or call 999 in the event of an emergency.
• You can also speak to an NHS medical professional or your GP.

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Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Anti-Violence and Policing Group, operating as Galop, is a charity registered in England and Wales under number 1077384, whose registered office is PO Box 81790, London, EC3P 3GA. Galop is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales under number 2969307.