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DV Circles, Equality, Respect, Human Rights





DV Cirles, Promoting Healthy Relationships

Here are some unique examples of domestic violence issues in same-sex relationships:

  • It can be assumed that domestic violence in a gay or lesbian relationship is mutual because they are of the same gender.  Domestic violence is about power and control, meaning one person dominating or controlling certain aspects of the other person’s life, which can happen in any relationship. 

  • Someone who is fearful of homophobic reactions or who has experienced homophobia before, may find seeking help with medical, financial and housing services extremely overwhelming.  This can mean that the person may choose not to seek out services or support. 

  • The abuser may threaten to reveal the other persons sexuality to friends or family using this as an abuse tactic.  This means that some people are forced to “come out” as same-sex attracted, gay or lesbian. 

  • The lesbian, bi and gay community may be small, which means everyone the survivor knows could hear of the abuse.  The abuser might also convince the community that the abuse is not occurring. 

  • Domestic Violence is an issue that is often hidden in society in general.  In same sex relationships, this is compounded by the fact that many couples have to already defend/justify their relationship to the rest of society. There may be fear that admitting to problems within the relationship may be used against them. 

  • The lack of appropriate services/skills of Domestic Violence workers for same-sex couples may stop DV survivors from seeking help.

  • The social isolation resulting for some same-sex survivors due to homophobic friends/family members may make it harder to find a strong support system.

For more information on same-sex relationships click onto the links below:

http://ssdv.acon.org.au/

 

http://ssdv.acon.org.au/information/uniqueaspects.php

 

http://www.reachout.com.au/index.asp?mci=3&mwi=2&tii=22

 

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=240&np=299&id=207

 

Inside out - for same sex attracted men under 25

http://insideout.cyh.com/home.htm

 

 

Phone Numbers

The Youth Health Line (24 Hours) on 1300 13 17 19

 

The Gay & Lesbian Counselling Service (7pm-10pm every day) or (2pm-5pm on weekends) 08 8334 1623

 

Last updated: 15/05/2008                              Disclaimer | Copyright | Privacy | Contact