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Isn't it just a 'wee domestic'?

Domestic abuse IS a hate crime

Domestic abuse and abuse is just as common in same sex relationships as it is in mixed sex relationships.

WHAT IS DOMESTIC ABUSE?

For legal purposes in Scotland the following definition has been adopted: 'Domestic abuse is any form of physical, non-physical, or sexual abuse which takes place within the context of a close relationship, committed either in the home or elsewhere. This relationship will be between partners (married, co-habiting or otherwise) or ex-partners.'

At least 1 in 4 LGBT people have experienced domestic abuse in their relationships and from members of their families. Last year over 110 same-sex-relationship domestic abuse incidents were recorded in the Lothian's.

However, there are currently no services in Scotland specifically for LGBT people facing domestic violence and abuse. Lesbians fleeing an abusive partner often encounter homophobia in women's refuges, whilst gay men fleeing violence do not have access to refuge accommodation anywhere in Scotland (only 18 beds are available for the whole of England with no provision elsewhere in the UK).

Transgender people are left with nowhere to go within the refuge system and bisexuals are often invisible.

The LGBT community has some responsibility for this situation. The community, whilst becoming more visible and vocal about many political issues of equality and human rights, barely acknowledges the domestic violence and abuse its people face day after day. The community hides and ignores the violence, concerned that it should not expose intimate abusive power relations to a homo/transphobic and heterosexist public.

These are just some of the issues raised by organisations working with LGBT survivors of domestic violence.

Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender entitles you to the same right to be protected as other people. You are not to blame for abuse you are suffering. Everyone has the right to be loved and to be free from abuse. Across the page are details of organisations that can offer you help and support. For any further details on organisations contact your local LGBT agency.

There are currently no specific services for LGBT victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse. However, support is available through local LGBT Switchboards and (for lesbian and bisexual women) through Scottish Women's Aid.

SUPPORTIVE ORGANISATIONS

BROKEN RAINBOW LGBT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICE (UK)

Provides groundbreaking services to LGBT people experiencing domestic violence.

Broken Rainbow Hotline Number: 07812 644 914

Email: [email protected]

NATIONAL DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE

National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential service for people who are affected by or are experiencing domestic abuse. The free phone number will not appear on itemised phone bills.

Helpline: 0800-027-1234 (Daily 10am-10pm)

SCOTTISH WOMEN'S AID

Scottish Women's Aid is a national organisation providing support and refuge services to women and children escaping domestic violence

www.scottishwomensaid.co.uk

EDINBURGH WOMEN'S AID

Edinburgh Women's Aid is an all-women organisation, which offers confidential information, support and, where appropriate, refuge accommodation for women.

Tel: 0131-229-1419

MEN'S AID

National charity supporting male victims of domestic violence, their children, family and friends.

email: [email protected]

web: www.mensaid.org

RAPE CRISIS SCOTLAND

A national office for rape crisis and sexual abuse centres, part of the Scottish Rape Crisis Network. offering free, confidential support to women and girls who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.

tel: 0141 248 8848

email: [email protected]

web: www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

HEMAT GRYFFE WOMEN'S AID

Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid is a voluntary organisation primarily for Asian, Black and Minority Ethnic woman who are escaping domestic violence.

tel: 0141 353 0859

email: [email protected]

web: www.hematgryffe.co.uk