THEGAYUK

Tag: Domestic Violence

All the latest breaking news on domestic violence. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on domestic violence.

  • Domestic Abuse Help Instant Chat For LGBTs To Run 7 Days A Week

    Instant chat service to open 7 days a week

    Since its start in 2014 the Broken Rainbow instant chat service has continued to increase in popularity with LGBT people experiencing abuse or violence in their relationships. On busy days this means eight hours of constant user support and Broken Rainbow today runs this service with 25 volunteers across the country. Because of its high demand the Broken Rainbow instant chat will extend its opening hours to weekends, meaning it will be open every day from 10am till 2pm from the 6th of June 2015.

    The reasons for its popularity are many; partly it can offer greater anonymity to the user than phone support and partly it may give them more time to think before they express themselves.

    Broken Rainbow Managing Director Jo Harvey Barringer explains why she thinks it has become such a popular tool for Broken Rainbow’s service users:

    “Often the people that contact us are in situations where they cannot risk being heard over the phone. We’ve had victims/ survivors contacting us while locked in the bathroom with their abuser on the other side of the door – a situation in which if they were to call someone they may feel even more under threat.”

    The new weekend opening hours will start on the first weekend of June. This means instant chat will be open every day from 2pm till 10pm from the 6th of June 2015.

    You can find out more at http://www.brokenrainbow.org.uk or call 0800 999 5428

  • Gay Domestic Violence Charity Relocates To Manchester

    The North West will be the base for Broken Rainbow’s main office and as well as new outreach programmes, such as the LGBT Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy (IDVA) role. The Broken Rainbow helpline will still be based in London, giving the charity much wider remit.

    Jo Harvey Barringer, Broken Rainbow’s Managing Director, says:
    “We’ve had such a warm welcome from LGBT groups and organisations here in Manchester and we are so excited to be part of a place with such great LGBT history and community. And as a national charity it is only right that we have a base outside of London.”

    As part of Broken Rainbow’s relocation it has also recruited of its first ever LGBT IDVA in partnership with Manchester City Council. The role’s inaugural incumbent, Tiffany Cunningham, brings a huge amount of experience to the position, and is keen to hit the ground running, ‘We’re keen to provide the service and support that this community needs, and actually deserves’

    The LGBT IDVA’s role will be to offer LGBT victims/ survivors support and assistance, such as help with safety planning and risk assessments, liaising with agencies as well as support through the criminal justice system.

    Last year Broken Rainbow made headlines after it was uncertain that it could continue its services after the government failed to make clear funding options for the year ahead. MP Caroline Lucas said:

    “If Broken Rainbow is forced to close its services as a result of Government cuts, it will mean the loss of a unique service which has made a real difference to the lives of tens of thousands of people. To see it close just at the time when its services are under greatest demand would be perverse and counterproductive.”

    An LGBT specific IDVA service is important because it will enable LGBT victim/survivors, to receive the targeted support that they need, with the reassurance that as a service we fully understand the dynamics of LGBT domestic violence and work in a respectful, confidential and professional manner.

    Jo Harvey Barringer, Broken Rainbow’s Managing Director, says:
    ‘One of the main things our service users ask for is on-going support by a caseworker and with this new IDVA post we will finally be able to offer this service. And although this initial role will be based in Manchester, our hope is that the service will grow and we will be able to host IDVA’s across the UK.’

    Manchester City Council is very excited to be in partnership with Broken Rainbow and is looking forward to collaborate with them and other organisations in the North West in the near future.

  • OP ED: Domestic Violence: We need to talk about the female perpetrator

    As we are coming up to International Women’s Day Broken Rainbow UK would like to discuss the on-going issue in contemporary society of the female perpetrator and how we come to terms with her existence.

    For many this is an uncomfortable conversation to have, but having it does not undermine the decades of work by feminist movements in raising awareness of men’s violence against women. Talking about the issue doesn’t mean that domestic violence isn’t overwhelmingly a gendered issue, but what it does mean is that the conversation needs to be broader and the support in place more inclusive.

    For too long we appear to have been convinced domestic violence and abuse can only occur between a man and a woman in a heterosexual relationship and it is high time we try and understand that women in same-sex relationships can be as violent and abusive as their male counterparts.

    Following the sentencing of the mother of the killed eight-year-old girl Ayesha Ali and her partner this week, it has become very clear just how the female perpetrator is described as someone ‘possessed’ or ‘acting like a witch’ rather than an individual who has committed a crime.

    This in many ways belittles the violent act committed by these two women and also makes a very complex and traumatic series of events, into a very simplified and one-sided narrative.

    It is clear that the child and the mother were both subject to systematic domestic abuse and violence by the mother’s partner. The mother in this situation must be understood as simultaneously a victim and perpetrator of violence.

    As an LGBT confidential helpline for victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse Broken Rainbow supports many female perpetrators of violence and we are aware of the complexity of the situation and the constant silencing of the issue.

    We need to start recognising that just as heterosexual men can be violent and abusive, so can women, and that these acts are not ‘supernatural’ but in fact sadly form part of many people’s every day life, heterosexual as well as LGBT. Embracing a traditional narrative about domestic violence, that women are victims of male violence, doesn’t just mean that same sex violence falls through the cracks. It also means that children like Ayesha living in abusive households with same sex parents stand a much better chance of survival.

    by Jo Harvey Barringer

    Broken Rainbow: http://www.brokenrainbow.org.uk

     

  • Gay Domestic Violence Helpline Funded For Another 12 Months

    Broken Rainbow UK, the LGBT domestic violence charity, received confirmation this afternoon that the funding for their helpline is secure for another 12 months.

    The charity that has been campaigning for several months to save the helpline, received the news just hours before their board was due to meet to decide on its closure.

    Managing Director of Broken Rainbow, Jo Harvey Barringer, says, “What has kept us going these past difficult months has been the incredible level of support from the general public particularly those from within the LGBT community and the women’s domestic violence sector.”

    In January there were fears that the charity would not be funded after the Home Office failed to announce whether funding would be extended for another year. The potential closure was lambasted by MP Caroline Lucas as “perverse and counterproductive”

    Broken Rainbow has received over £25,000 for the campaign ‘There is no Pride in Domestic Abuse’. And tens of thousands of people have shared the campaign and cause on social media. Just this morning a petition with 30,000 signatures on it was delivered to the Home Secretary.

    Broken Rainbow has been overwhelmed by some of the comments it has received from past service users.

    Jo Harvey Barringer continues, “We know what we do makes a difference to many people’s lives, but for them to share what has been some of their most difficult life experiences and how we made a positive difference to that, has been humbling and affirming that the service we offer is a vital one that needs to continue.”

    Here are some of the amazing comments Broken Rainbow has been sent in the past months, thank you so much for sharing:

    ‘As a lesbian whilst coming out in my teens I found help and support from various groups now it’s a chance for me to give something back. Even though I have never been a victim of any sort of domestic abuse I do know those who have with nowhere to turn to these organisations are lifelines please keep them operating’

    ‘This is one cause you can not drop…too many depend on Broken Rainbow, without their help there would be nowhere to turn to… and more will suffer in silence.’

    ‘A vital service. I have been through d.v with an ex-partner and found support through your website. Thank you’

    Broken Rainbow is extremely grateful for your support and we will continue to work for a society where LGBT victims of domestic violence and abuse have access to the services they need, free of any prejudice and homophobia.

  • UK Government Committed To Ending Domestic Violent Crime

    The government is keen to end domestic violence (DV), says a spokesperson for the Home Office, as the future of Broken Rainbow, the UK’s largest DV charity for LGBTs, hangs in the balance.

    Speaking to THEGAYUK Wendy Wilde, the Service Delivery Manager for Broken Rainbow said, “For our funding not to be renewed or replaced will result in the helpline being closed down.

    “We’ve supported over five thousand people this year and if we were to close there are very few other services for them to go to and not one that offers national support in the way we do.”

    When pushed for comment the Home Office issued a statement saying, “Domestic violence and abuse is an appalling crime that this government is committed to ending.

    “The government recognises the important role that the Broken Rainbow helpline plays in supporting LGBT victims of domestic violence and abuse, which is why we have provided the helpline with funding of £120,000 in the last financial year.

    “Decisions on ongoing funding for 2015/16 are being carefully considered and will be announced shortly.”

    In May last year it emerged that members of the LGBT community are more than twice as likely to have
    experienced domestic abuse in the past year compared to those in heterosexual relationships, and almost half of victims say that they didn’t know where to turn for support. When questioned, 45 per cent of LGBT respondents from the 2013 ROAR study on domestic violence and abuse said that they didn’t seek help for fear that they wouldn’t be taken seriously.

    Baroness Barker who came out in 2013 said, “Broken Rainbow has a great record of helping the most vulnerable members of our community to escape and avoid domestic violence. The value of Broken Rainbow’s work is immense, not least the amount of harm which it prevents. Fundraising for such a difficult subject is tough, but I hope that resources can be found to keep this uniquely effective service going.”

    If you are affected by the issues raised in this article please phone Broken Rainbow on: 0300 999 5428 or visit their website http://www.brokenrainbow.org.uk

  • MP CAROLINE LUCAS: Closing Gay Domestic Violence Helpline Would Be Perverse

    Speaking out against the potential closure of the UK’s Domestic Violence charity for LGBT people, Broken Rainbow, MP Caroline Lucas said it would be “perverse”.

    Leading Domestic Abuse charity for the LGBT Charity Broken Rainbow has announced that it could face closure after the Home Office failed to provide evidence that it would fund the charity for another year.

    The news comes as a raft of other mainline LGBT charities and services face devastating cuts, including Terrence Higgins Trust, GMFA and the London And Lesbian Gay Switchboard.

    Speaking out about the current funding crisis, Caroline Lucas MP told THEGAYUK, “If Broken Rainbow is forced to close its services as a result of Government cuts, it will mean the loss of a unique service which has made a real difference to the lives of tens of thousands of people. To see it close just at the time when its services are under greatest demand would be perverse and counterproductive, putting more people at risk, and undermining the excellent work it has done to date. I urge the Government to think again.”

    Speaking to THEGAYUK Wendy Wilde, the Service Delivery Manager for Broken Rainbow said, “For our funding not to be renewed or replaced will result in the helpline being closed down.

    “We’ve supported over five thousand people this year and if we were to close there are very few other services for them to go to and not one that offers national support in the way we do.”

    A Home Office spokesperson said, “Domestic violence and abuse is an appalling crime that this government is committed to ending.
    “The government recognises the important role that the Broken Rainbow helpline plays in supporting LGBT victims of domestic violence and abuse, which is why we have provided the helpline with funding of £120,000 in the last financial year.
    “Decisions on ongoing funding for 2015/16 are being carefully considered and will be announced shortly.”

    If you want to know more about Broken Rainbow you can visit their website www.brokenrainbow.org.uk Broken Rainbow depends on donations and goodwill of its supporters.

    Donations can be made via their website and even the smallest amount can make a difference to someone whose life is at risk.

  • Gay Domestic Violence Charity Faces Closure After Government Fails To Confirm Funds

    An LGBT Charity aimed at supporting those who have suffered Domestic Violence (DV) has announced that it could face closure after no confirmation from the Home Office whether funding will be extended for another year.

    Broken Rainbow, the UK’s largest charity supporting men and women who have experience domestic violence is facing having its helpline closed after failing to obtain clarification on whether the home office will extend its funding for another year. The charity was set up in 2004 and last year supported over 5000 victims of violence from their partners.

    The news comes as a raft of other mainline LGBT charities and services face devastating cuts, including Terrence Higgins Trust, GMFA and the London And Lesbian Gay Switchboard.

    “For our funding not to be renewed or replaced will result in the helpline being closed down.” reported Wendy Wilde, the Service Delivery Manager “we’ve supported over five thousand people this year and if we were to close there are very few other services for them to go to and not one that offers national support in the way we do.”

    The charity, which has helped countless of people, says that the current funding only pays for one helpline worker at a time – and callers are often met with an engaged tone. The service is comparatively expensive, because the nature of the service, however its benefits have been felt far and wide – having worked closely with the producers and writers of EastEnders during their same-sex domestic violence storyline in 2014.

    In May last year it emerged that members of the LGBT community are more than twice as likely to have experienced domestic abuse in the past year compared to those in heterosexual relationships, and almost half of victims say that they didn’t know where to turn for support.

    “Government cuts on dv services have a huge part to play.” explains Jo Harvey Barringer, Broken Rainbow’s Managing Director “our service is comparatively expensive to run as our calls can take a long time due to us offering case work rather than simply a signposting service. Currently almost as many calls meet an engaged tone as a helpline worker because we only have enough funding for one person to answer calls at any time. Often callers are disclosing their abuse for the first time and the reality is that there is often nowhere to signpost people to. Decisions like the one to close the men’s refuge by Hammersmith & Fulham are a prime example.

    “The money is just not there to support the demand. Statutory organisations who do work within the Home Offence definition of domestic abuse which is: “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

    “The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional” have their focus (and rightly so) on the demand from women and girls but that means they cannot stretch what they have to offer further support to other marginalised groups within society and often services have no provision at all for anyone who is outside their frame of reference.”

    Broken Rainbow, in recognition of the huge demand, particularly in direct services, is looking to extend its front line service provision within the next few months. Initially focusing in the North West of the country with an IDVA service and is also about to launch an LGBT legal assistance programme. “However the success of these is based on the existence of the helpline and we are just not in a position to guarantee that right now” said Ms Wilde.

    Speaking about the funding crisis, Caroline Lucas MP said, “If Broken Rainbow is forced to close its services as a result of Government cuts, it will mean the loss of a unique service which has made a real difference to the lives of tens of thousands of people. To see it close just at the time when its services are under greatest demand would be perverse and counterproductive, putting more people at risk, and undermining the excellent work it has done to date. I urge the Government to think again.”

    Baroness Barker added, “Broken Rainbow has a great record of helping the most vulnerable members of our community to escape and avoid domestic violence. The value of Broken Rainbow’s work is immense, not least the amount of harm which it prevents. Fundraising for such a difficult subject is tough, but I hope that resources can be found to keep this uniquely effective service going.”

    If you want to know more about Broken Rainbow you can visit their website www.brokenrainbow.org.uk Broken Rainbow depends on donations and goodwill of its supporters.

    Donations can be made via their website and even the smallest amount can make a difference to someone whose life is at risk.

  • Domestic Abuse Helplines For LGBTs Open Over Christmas

    Christmas is a really difficult time for many lesbian gay bi and trans people who suffer at the hands of their partner and family.

    Broken Rainbow have put together this message in a view of keeping them safe.

    Christmas is a difficult time for lesbian, gay bi and trans* (LGBT) people who are experiencing domestic violence or abuse. At this time of year, many of us spend more time with partners and our families, that can be exhausting, put a strain on finances and often involves a fair bit of alcohol- all of which can trigger incidents.

    Also at this time of year, it is easy to believe you need to ‘try harder’ for the sake of family celebrations and not wanting to spoil the holiday. For some returning to the closet is also the only option for the sake of keeping the peace. Some are victims of coercive control with the threat of being ‘outed’ to family, colleagues and friends
    All of this can be increasing stressful and isolating.

    Broken Rainbow will be running business as usual throughout the festive season.

    The helpline will be available
    Monday 22nd December 10am -8pm
    Tuesday 23rd December 10am -5pm
    Christmas Eve – 10am -5pm
    Christmas Day – 10am to 8pm
    Boxing Day – 1pm – 5pm

    With the same hours repeated the following week for New Year.

    Broken Rainbow have also compiled 7 key points to remember This Holiday Season in order to look after you and stay safe.
    1. If you are immediate danger call 999
    2. Call the Broken Rainbow domestic violence and abuse helpline 0300 999 5428 / 0800 999 5428 to talk confidentiality to another LGBT person who will listen and help you understand your options
    3. Email Broken Rainbow if you don’t feel able to talk over the phone our email is help@brokenrainbow.org.uk
    4. Talk to a friend or someone you trust. It helps to share your problems.
    5. Remember the violence or abuse is not your fault no matter what excuses you are given
    6. Plan for your safety – think about worse case scenario; if you had to leave in a hurry, what would you take with you (money, id, and other important documents). Pack a bag with a change of clothes. Where would you go to be safe and get help? Remember you can always go to the police for help.
    7. Keep your mobile fully charged and handy.

    Remember you are not alone: Broken Rainbow receives thousands of calls each year from people experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

  • LGBT Domestic Abuse Charity Welcomes Minister Commitment

    LGBT charity welcomes Welsh minister’s commitment to do more to improve LGBT domestic violence services.

    Broken Rainbow UK, the LGBT domestic violence charity, welcomes Lesley Griffiths, the Welsh Minister for Local Government commitment to introduce an LGBT-inclusive bill later this month to reform domestic abuse services.

    Responding to research into the barriers faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in accessing domestic violence services, conducted on behalf of the Welsh Government and published last week Griffiths stated, ‘Regardless of their gender or sexuality, everyone should feel they can access free and confidential support if they are experiencing domestic abuse, harassment or sexual violence.
    ‘While the research published today identifies some examples of promising practice underway in Wales, there is more we and service providers can and must do tackle this crime and to promote the support services available to all victims.’

    Shannon Harvey, Senior Researcher at NatCen Social Research, referring to the research, explains how it, ‘demonstrates how a narrow focus on the needs of heterosexual, cisgender women can leave LGBT people feeling that these services aren’t appropriate for them.
    ‘These LGBT people’s experiences of abuse remind us that even while patriarchy may be an explanation for many women’s experiences of victimisation, if we accept that violence is about power and control, we must acknowledge that other dimensions of power and inequality can play a part too.’

    Jo Harvey Barringer, Managing Director (Interim), Broken Rainbow UK, echoed Shannon Harvey’s concerns for trans people experiencing domestic violence, ‘Despite legal protections in place for trans people this research suggests, in line with our own experiences of supporting callers to our helpline, that trans* women can still face difficulty in accessing women-only refuges.’
    Broken Rainbow UK was pleased to announce during their first ever awareness month this May that they are also removing barriers to accessing their own services for individuals that cannot afford to call their helpline, with the introduction of a parallel Freephone 0800 number sponsored by BNP Paribas.

    ‘We know that members of the trans community can often be amongst the poorest members of the LGBT communities with increased difficultly in gaining employment, so we believe our new 0800 number combined with our existing 0300 will ensure everyone needing support can reach us’, Wendy Wilde, Service Delivery Manager, Broken Rainbow UK.

  • Domestic Abuse In LGBT Relationships Twice As Likely

    Domestic Abuse In LGBT Relationships Twice As Likely

    Members of the LGBT community are more than twice as likely to have experienced domestic abuse in the past year compared to those in heterosexual relationships, and almost half of victims say that they didn’t know where to turn for support.

    Domestic violence and abuse in the LGBT+ community is an issue rarely highlighted, with many victims too afraid to speak out. When questioned, 45 per cent of LGBT respondents from the 2013 ROAR study on domestic violence and abuse said that they didn’t seek help for fear that they wouldn’t be taken seriously.

    To raise awareness of this growing issue and to let people know that help is available, the UK’s only LGBT domestic violence charity, Broken Rainbow, has launched its first ever awareness campaign.

    The campaign, running this month, celebrates 10 years since the LGBT charity first brought the issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans + (LGBT+) domestic violence and abuse out into the open.

    Last year, over 4,000 calls were made to Broken Rainbow’s helpline; a figure that the charity’s Managing Director (Interim), Jo Harvey Barringer, says is increasing: “Over the past 10 years Broken Rainbow has received more than 25,000 calls from members of the LGBT community in distress, with the number of calls continuing to have an upward trend.”

    Lord Brian Paddick, former Met police Deputy Assistant Commissioner, knows first hand how devastating domestic abuse can be in a relationship.

    ‘I didn’t go to the police because I didn’t want to be open about my sexuality and the type of relationship I was in. I was too embarrassed. We need to be more open about this so that people in abusive relationships realise they are not alone.’

    Lord Paddick says services such as Broken Rainbow’s helpline are vital for those in the LGBT community who often face coercive control, emotional or physical abuse at the hand of their partners.

    ‘Unacceptable behaviour in a domestic abuse setting can and tragically does escalate to violence. Despite the research, the experience and the good work by some police forces, there is little the police can do to combat emotional abuse. Broken Rainbow’s helpline offers a place where those who feel they have no where to turn can confide and find support.’

    Jaci Quennell, Broken Rainbow UK Trustee, echoes Lord Paddick’s comments about the difficulties of combating emotional abuse, ‘It took years for me to realise how emotionally and psychologically abusive my partner was – it was so insidious that I couldn’t see it. She ridiculed me and sabotaged my studies, my job applications and my friendships. It only really sank in how effective she had been when old friends that I hadn’t seen for years were upset at what they saw as the complete dismantling of my sense of self-worth’.

    Twenty-three year old Hugo Sugg experienced domestic abuse in his first-ever relationship, and says that the support of a service like Broken Rainbow would have been invaluable.

    ‘In hindsight, I didn’t realise how much control my partner had over me at the time, he controlled who I saw at college and would become insanely jealous.’

    Hugo finally ended the relationship when he was woken by his partner screaming at him, angered by text messages he’d found on Hugo’s phone.

    ‘It was then I decided enough was enough, he begged me to stay but I decided it was time to leave and went to stay with a friend.’

    Hugo’s story is just one of the many previously untold about abuse in LGBT relationships. The aim of Broken Rainbow’s campaign is to encourage others to speak out and highlight the help that is available to those who need support.

    Twenty-eight year old Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson has thrown his support behind Broken Rainbow’s cause. Having played Ste Hay in Hollyoaks, he says there is a popular misconception that needs to be overcome in LGBT relationships.

    ‘After playing a character in Hollyoaks who suffered abuse in a gay relationship, I was astounded at the amount of people saying: ‘it’s two guys they can just hit each other back.’

    This statement is categorically wrong and by highlighting this issue and by helping people understand and educating them, we can change this perception.

    ‘It’s extremely important to recognise charities, such as Broken Rainbow UK, that highlight domestic abuse in an LGBT relationship. Much has been mentioned in the news and popular culture on domestic abuse but it needs to be clearer that it occurs in ALL relationships no matter what gender.’

  • First Broken Rainbow month in May

    The UK’s first ever Broken Rainbow Month has been announced for May.

     ‘Broken Rainbow Month’ will celebrate the 10 years that the LGBT charity has been campaigning to bring the issue of LGBT domestic violence and abuse out into the open.
    Broken Rainbow Month will be starting off with a social media campaign from Thursday 1st May followed by activities including a flagship reception in London engaging politicians and sector leaders (Tuesday 13th May), a panel discussion in Hove, featuring Linda Bellos OBE (Thursday 15th May), exhibitions and a host of other fundraising events.

    Nearly 6.2% of gay or bisexual men in a relationship suffer from partner abuse in 2008/09, which is nearly double that for heterosexual men, whilst 12.4% of lesbian women suffer from abuse. Domestic abuse is said to cost victims, services and the state a total of £23 billion per year. Male victims (29%) are nearly twice as likely than women (17%) to not tell anyone about the partner abuse.