1. LGBT Domestic Abuse Cat Everett Domestic and Sexual Abuse Caseworker

2. Galop: who are we? The only pan-London LGBT anti-violence charity Developed from grassroots campaign on policing and hate crime Grounded in direct work with victims of homophobic and transphobic hate crime, domestic and sexual abuse Work in partnership with other voluntary and statutory organisations but we are independent from the police

3. Key Galop projects Pan-London hate crime project DAP - London LGBT Domestic Abuse Partnership (including Broken Rainbow, Pace, Stonewall Housing and Switchboard) Young Person’s Domestic Abuse Project Shine Project (Trans inclusive work) Sexual violence/abuse project

4. What we do Advice, support and advocacy Non-police (third party) reporting via telephone, face-to-face and on-line Campaigns around LGBT violence and abuse, strategic role on LGBT community safety in London Research: Shine@Galop, Filling in the Blanks

5. My role Funded by Comic Relief until 2013 I work 3 days a week with young people (under 25) – remaining time with those of all ages I work with clients who have experienced sexual and domestic abuse Advice, information, advocacy Emotional support On going case work

6. Key issues for my clients Housing Civil law Criminal law Safety planning Risk assessments Referrals/signposting

7. LGBT Domestic Abuse: key issues

8. Myths around LGBT domestic abuse It doesn ’ t happen to LGBT people Any abuse is mutual; it ’ s not about power and control The victim/survivor and perpetrator can be identified on physical presentation If it does happen, it is easier for LGBT people to leave an abusive relationship The law does not protect LGBT people

9. Facts and figures Similar prevalence among LGB people to heterosexual women Limited research into the experience of trans people Lesbian and bi women at risk from former heterosexual partners Under-reported When reported, this is often providers other than the Police and/or domestic abuse and LGBT services

10. LGBT DA: key issues Issues that may have an impact include: Accessing support requires ‘ coming out ’ Real or perceived homo/bi/transphobia Potential for isolation – Arising from homo/bi/transphobia – Alienation from families of origin Silence around sexual violence Housing and refuge provision for LGBT people – Accessibility & secondary victimisation Access to role models Potential for unique forms of abuse

11. Unique forms of abuse ‘ Outing ’ (or threats) about sexual orientation/gender identity ‘ Identity abuse ’ – Reinforcing fears that no one will help – Undermining someone's sense of identity – Refusing to use preferred pronoun or name – Withholding/destroying medication, hormones, clothes – Normalising abuse in LGBT relationships – Controlling access to social networks First same-sex relationship Identity of perpetrator(s) – Former heterosexual partner – Family and so-called honour based violence

12. Trans domestic abuse Criticising body, clothing or voice Destroying or withholding clothing, medication, cosmetics etc Criticising for not being a ‘ real man or woman ’ Assaulting surgically or medically altered body parts Forcing to expose surgical scars Exploiting internalised transphobia

13. Power and control wheel Developed by Roe and Jagadinsky Adapted from the Power and Control Wheel developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, 206 West Forth Street, Duluch, MN 55806

14. Assessing risk for LGBT clients Power & Control Wheel: a helpful tool for identifying abusive behaviours CAADA-DASH RIC: Are you completing this? Minimization Beware of buying into myths & stereotypes Referring cases to MARAC

15. Common forms of emotional abuse Isolated from friends regularly insulted/put down frightened by things your partner says/does told what to do/who to see isolated from relatives made to do most housework your spending controlled (men) your age used against you malicious/pestering phone calls your education used against you

16. Common forms of physical abuse slapped/pushed/shoved physically threatened kicked/punched restrained/held down/tied up stalked/followed by partner beaten up choked/strangled/suffocated locked out of house/room by partner hit with an object/weapon bitten

17. Common forms of sexual abuse had sex for sake of peace touched in way that caused fear/alarm/distress forced into sexual activity hurt during sex 'safe' words/boundaries disrespected sexually assaulted/abused refused your request for safer sex

18. Barriers to accessing services Lack of understanding and awareness from some service providers on LGBT community Concerns about real or perceived homo/transphobia Use of terminology (inc. use of pronouns) Relationship with perpetrator relate to employment Feeling that non LGBT-specific services are not for LGBT people

19. Barriers to accessing services Little trust (understanding) of police Fear of going to court Already feel marginalised in the community Poor service from other providers Wider issues and complexities Lack of service provision- e.g. housing esp refuges

20. Barriers to accessing services Feeling the incident is too minor to report or that nothing can be done- previous minimisation by professionals Not being taken seriously – previous bad experiences Fear of reprisals from perpetrators Not wanting to disclose their identity or that they are victim of a hate crime Wanting non-CJS outcomes – e.g. housing

21. How to address barriers Are you asking? Do you monitor? Avoiding heterosexism: Don ’ t assume gender of partners Literature and advertising: is your service LGBT friendly? Training: being comfortable with LGBT issues Don ’ t buy into myths and stereotypes Don ’ t minimise experiences

22. How to address barriers Allow victims time to talk, listen to them and take their experiences seriously Be mindful of identity issues when giving advice - not being afraid to ask others for advice Offer help to report incidents but explore this as one option Safety planning and help with non-CJS matters Signpost or refer to other agencies

23. Questions Please feel free to ask any questions you have!

24. Thank you!