Manchester’s LGBT people suffering domestic abuse must be given the ‘confidence’ to report the crimes – and a police panel discussion hope to do just that.
In the run-up to Pride’s Big Weekend, Greater Manchester Police are inviting members of the LGBT community to join them in a panel discussion on domestic abuse on Monday August 18.
The event will provide an opportunity for those who may be concerned about domestic abuse to come along and ask any questions they may have on the issue, or even just listen to what the panel will have to say.
Greater Manchester Police Detective Chief Superintendent Vanessa Jardine, said: “We know that domestic abuse will be occurring within the LGBT community. We want to encourage victims and friends and family of victims to report the issue and have the confidence to come forward.
“There will be many people who are not aware of the processes in place once a crime is reported to police and by having this open forum I want to be able to dispel some myths and give people the confidence to report crimes in the knowledge that it will be dealt with appropriately.”
Studies show that one in four LGBT people have experienced domestic abuse.
The evidence suggests that many gay men and lesbians do not report incidents to authorities as they are afraid of being misunderstood or potentially discriminated against.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “The sad reality is that domestic violence affects our communities, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities.
“It’s really important that police and other agencies understand the sensitivities and concerns of different communities and the barriers that exist which prevent people from coming forward. By working with organisations like the Lesbian and Gay Foundation we can help build confidence which is why I warmly welcome this event.
“The most important message is that it doesn’t matter who you are – gay or straight, male or female, young or old, rich or poor – support is out there if you are suffering domestic abuse.”
Much previous research on domestic violence has concentrated on heterosexual relationships, with men widely being considered the perpetrator of the violence and women as the victims.
Therefore, the ordeal suffered by men and women within the LGBT community has often been missed or ignored.
Lucy Rolfe, wellbeing manager for the Lesbian and Gay Foundation, said: “Having supported a number of LGB&T people who are experiencing domestic abuse, I’ve been shocked by the number of barriers they face in accessing the support they need.
“Domestic abuse is an issue surrounded by gender stereotypes; every poster or campaign portrays a female victim and a male perpetrator. This only adds to the fear held by many LGB&T people, that if they speak up, they won’t be believed or taken seriously.
“If we are to tackle LGB&T domestic abuse, then we need to start by working together to stamp out this stigma, by considering our attitudes and language, only then will we be able to encourage people to speak up.”
The discussion is being supported by Victim Support, the Women’s Domestic Abuse Helpline, Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner and the Lesbian and Gay Foundation.
Manchester City Council are currently reviewing their approach to supporting survivors of domestic violence or abuse, and working with perpetrators to stop incidences of violence and abuse.
As part of this, the LGF has created an online survey is available to anonymously share your views and experiences.
Cllr Bernard Priest, Manchester City Council’s deputy leader, said: “Domestic abuse can take many forms, from controlling behaviour to violence, and can affect members of all our communities. However, it is always unacceptable and in many cases the real tragedy is the number of people who don’t report the abuse, either because they’re afraid or because they don’t believe anyone will take their complaint seriously.
He added: “I want urge anyone who has been a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of their gender, race or sexual orientation, to come forward. I would like to invite all members of the LGBT community to come to this event, take part in the discussion and find out more about the services that are available.”
The event takes place on Monday August 18 at the Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, in the run up to Pride. It is scheduled between 6.30pm and 8pm.
Image courtesy of Home Sweet Home Refuge via YouTube, with thanks.
