Domestic abuse: Advice for LGBT communities

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse this includes people from the LGBT communities of Cheshire with 1 in 4 people in this community experiencing domestic violence.

Information tells us that often people from these communities feel isolated or lack the confidence to come forward. Sometimes there is a little understanding about domestic abuse because there hasn’t been much information or discussion in the LGBT communities about the issue. They can feel isolated from support groups that are seen as just supporting heterosexual women.

Male victims in same sex relationships are particularly vulnerable they often fail to recognise their experience as domestic abuse if it does happen to them or know how to respond. There is a fear of not being believed, ‘outing’ themselves to services and a belief that services may not have the knowledge or resources to work with LGBT .

Speak Out

Domestic abuse is a crime.

There is no honour in committing the crime.

There is no shame in reporting the crime.

Report domestic abuse

Report domestic abuse to Cheshire Police on 999 if an emergency or 101 if you do not require immediate police attendance.

Advice and support

Advice is available from the National Domestic Violence Helpline - a 24-hour free phone advisory service on 0808 2000 247.

Help and advice is available from Broken Rainbow between 9am and 1pm and 2pm to 5pm on weekdays by calling 020 8539 9507