People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, asexual, and other sexually or gender diverse people (LGBTQA+) experience intimate partner violence at similar rates as those who identify as heterosexual. Despite this, there has been an invisibility of LGBTQA+ relationships in policy and practice responses and a lack of acknowledgment that intimate partner violence exists in these communities. This has resulted in LGBTQA+ 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 LGBTQA+ 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 LGBTQA+ people who are experiencing, or have experienced domestic and family violence.

Safe Connections Toowoomba offers access to specialist staff who are experienced in working with LGBTQA+ relationships. Our team is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming space, ensuring that you feel supported when seeking help for the impacts of domestic and family violence.  We work alongside individuals, families, service providers, and the wider community to promote safety, respect, and well-being for LGBTQA+ people in Toowoomba and beyond.