People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) experience intimate partner violence at similar rates as those who identify as heterosexual. Despite this, there has been an invisibility of LGBTQIA+ relationships in policy and practice responses and a lack of acknowledgment that intimate partner violence exists in these communities. This has resulted in LGBTQIA+ people having an increased vulnerability to experiencing domestic and family violence because of systemic barriers to services and the impacts of discrimination as a result of homophobia, transphobia and heterosexism.

The LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation has developed a video that helps provide LGBTQIA+ people and their allies with knowledge on what domestic and family violence is and how everyone can play a part in recognising the signs and how to respond.

You can visit their website at www.dvafoundation.org for more information.

At Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland, our Safe Connections Toowoomba program provides support to LGBTQIA+ or Brotherboy or Sistergirl people who are experiencing/or have experienced domestic and family violence.

Safe Connections Toowoomba provides specialist staff who understand LGBTQIA+ or Brotherboy or Sistergirl relationships. Our staff are committed to working with individuals, families, service providers and the wider community to ensure LGBTQIA+ people feel safe.