Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender domestic abuse

Same sex domestic abuse is defined as domestic abuse carried out by an intimate partner within a relationship where both parties are the same gender.

There is a further dimension to domestic abuse in the case of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT). Domestic abuse as a result of being LGBT is defined as domestic abuse carried out by family members or a former heterosexual partner against someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. There is a hate crime element to this form of domestic abuse and in some cases there may be elements of honour based crime or forced marriage. 

When carrying out a risk assessment the Safe Lives DASH form is used.

There are significant additional factors for victims of LGBT domestic abuse, both in the nature of the abuse they may suffer and barriers to reporting and accessing support.

Key factors

Having to out themselves when reporting. In some cases repeatedly e.g. to police, health professionals, during court proceedings.

Fear of being outed either unintentionally - by police or service providers, or intentionally - by perpetrator to friends, family or work colleagues as an abusive tool, or in retaliation for reporting.

Fear of a hostile or insensitive approach by service providers – this can be either justified or not by previous experience or prior community perceptions.

Assumptions that there is equal power or that it is an equal fight within a same sex relationship.

Lack of understanding on the victims’ part about what domestic abuse is, or the belief that that abuse is an accepted part of LGBT relationships.

Sexuality used as a tool to abuse – perpetrator may ridicule or belittle victim that they are ‘not a real lesbian, gay man or woman because of…’

Gender identity used as a tool to abuse, questioning gender identity, ridiculing or belittling appearance, targeting abuse at post-operative areas of the body.

Preventing someone from being out about their sexuality or gender identity as a tool of abuse.

Questioning somebody’s own definition about their sexuality or gender identity.

Using children as a tool of abuse, threatening to refuse access because of sexuality or gender identity, threatening to out the victim to children, questioning their suitability as a parent, encouraging children to be homophobic or transphobic.

Community - the victim may not report domestic abuse as doing so would mean the close knit social circle or LGBT community would find out and possibly ostracise them.

Isolation within the LGBT community or within the wider community, used as a tool of abuse.

Lack of specialised services - including specialist safety planning, limited crisis housing for male victims and issues with refuges for females not allowing female perpetrators access.

In addition to domestic violence services LGBT individuals can be referred to the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse support line tel: 08000 198 668. Or contact Galop tel: 0800 999 5428 or email: help@galop.org.uk