PI.17.09
Developing LGBTQ programs for perpetrators and victims/survivors of domestic and family violence
May 2020
The “heterosexual face” of domestic violence can disguise the fact that domestic and family violence and intimate partner violence also occurs in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) relationships. This can leave LGBTQ people struggling to find and access appropriate interventions, with the problem affecting those seeking support after experiencing violence and abuse, as well as those who wish to change their violent and abusive behaviours.
This research explores how we might begin to improve the recognition and understanding of LGBTQ intimate partner violence (IPV) among both mainstream and domestic and family violence service providers, and within LGBTQ communities.
This collaborative research project between ACON and Relationships Australia New South Wales was designed as a pilot study to tailor and deliver existing perpetrator and victim/survivor group programs to LGBTQ people who use, or are affected by the use of, violence within their intimate relationships.
The research identifies unique tactics of abuse, used to threaten, undermine or isolate a victim/survivor. These include identity-based abuse that capitalises upon a victim’s /survivor’s fear of exposure (“outing”), or their experience of discrimination and internalised homophobia.
Developed under the guidance of a project reference group comprised of key academics, clinicians and researchers in the areas of LGBTQ theory and practice, DFV interventions and social work practice, this research highlights the need to support the LGBTQ community in developing readiness to recognise domestic and family violence, and then seek support. It also outlines improvements that could be made in police systems and criminal justice responses to LGBTQ people experiencing intimate partner violence/domestic and family violence.
Researchers
Project Lead
Mr Brandon-Leith Bear, ACON
Research expertise
Dr Rebecca Gray, Research Consultant
Dr Jen Hamer, Relationships Australia (NSW)
Dr Timothy Broady, Relationships Australia NSW
Dr Jessica Kean, Relationships Australia NSW
Dr Joycelyn Ling, Relationships Australia NSW
Tommy Walker, ACON
Practice expertise
Ms Kai Noonan, ACON
Mr Andrew King, Relationships Australia (NSW)
Advisory Panel
Emeritus Professor Thea Brown, Department of Social Work, Monash University
Dr Philomena Horsley, Lecturer, Centre for Women's Health, Gender and Society, University of Melbourne
Dr Jessica Kean, Lecturer in Gender Studies, University of Sydney
Maryclare Machen, Manager Q-Respect, Queerspace, Drummond Street Services, Victoria
Associate Professor Christy Newman, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney
Dr Jemima Petch, Head of Client Services and Head of Research, Relationships Australia Queensland
Chris Pye, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Relationships Australia Queensland
Lizette Twisleton, NSW Sector Development Manager, No To Violence
Professor Sarah Wendt, Department of Social Work, Flinders University
Downloads
Presentations
Webinar: Domestic and family violence and intimate partner violence in LGBTQ relationships – a discussion on strengthening practice
FACT SHEET
Domestic and family violence and intimate partner violence in LGBTQ relationships—A discussion on strengthening practice: Webinar resources and questions
Download
Budget
$158,113
Funded by Commonwealth Department of Social Services.