RN LGBT-DV presentation

Understanding LGBT domestic violence and hate crime and issues around housing : 

Understanding LGBT domestic violence and hate crime and issues around housing Robin Newman Same sex domestic violence and LGBT hate crime caseworker

This role… : 

This role… Work in an outreach capacity Work with victims of LGBT domestic violence and hate crime Provide practical and emotional support Drop-in service Advocate on behalf of clients with police, council, housing associations, counselling services and other relevant organisations Provide training to Council inc pilot for all front line housing staff Involved in development of victims & witnesses training National LGBT domestic violence forum

Definition of LGBT Domestic violence : 

Definition of LGBT Domestic violence LGBT Domestic violence - "Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality." Prevalence - 1 in 4

Types of domestic violence : 

Types of domestic violence Physical Mental Sexual Financial

Definition of LGBT hate crime : 

Definition of LGBT hate crime LGBT hate crime – “Any incident, which is perceived to be homophobic by the victim or any person (that is directed to impact upon those know or perceived to be lesbians, gay men, bisexual or transgender people.”

Types of LGBT hate crime : 

Types of LGBT hate crime Verbal harassment Homo/bi/transphobic graffiti Physical attack Damage/destruction of property Threat of violence Stalking Murder

Domestic violence - myths and realities : 

Domestic violence - myths and realities MYTH: perpetrators are always bigger, stronger or more ‘butch’ whereas victims are smaller and weaker REALITY: A perpetrator, when angry can do a lot of physical and mental damage. Size, weight, build, ‘masculinity’, ‘femininity’ or other physical attribute does not affect whether someone will be a victim or perpetrator MYTH: LGBT domestic violence only ever occurs between two partners REALITY: although it is more common for this to be the case, LGBT DV can be perpetrated by a family member, room mate, pimp or anyone living in the domestic violence MYTH: LGBT domestic violence occurs with people who hang out in bars or those from poor working class backgrounds REALITY: perpetrators can be from all sectors of the community, all education levels, be involved in social issues, different socio-economic levels, work in the domestic violence sector. No group is exempt

Domestic violence - myths and realities (continued) : 

Domestic violence - myths and realities (continued) MYTH: It only happens when…so that’s the problem. It’s not that they mean to be abusive REALITY: Drugs, alcohol, previous abuse, HIV, jealousy, work stress, homophobia, racism may all combine with DV, but they do not excuse it or provide an explanation for it MYTH: It is much easier for someone in an LGBT abusive relationship to leave REALITY: LGBT relationships are just as inter-linked and complicated as heterosexual relationships. There are barriers as there are little services to help the LGBT community fleeing DV or facing secondary victimisation from service providers such housing officers MYTH: The law does not protect LGB victims of DV REALITY: Same sex domestic violence is included in the Domestic violence, crime and victims Act 2004

Effects of LGBT domestic violence and hate crime : 

Effects of LGBT domestic violence and hate crime Isolation Low self esteem/lack of confidence Suicidal/self harm Depression Feeling of guilt or embarrassment Loss of family connection Physical and/or emotional scars

Issues in Housing : 

Issues in Housing Secondary victimisation from service providers Refuge/hostel space Homo/bi/transphobia in refuges Gay men and trans-men Training in LGBT DV and hate crime Signposting and partnership working

Signposting & partnership working : 

Signposting & partnership working Know what resources exist in your area Importance of signposting and partnership working Useful contacts Engaging with the LGBT community

Organisations to know … : 

Organisations to know … Broken Rainbow (08452 60 44 60) Refuge (0808 2000 247) Stonewall Housing (020 7359 5767) Albert Kennedy Trust (020 7831 6562) GALOP (020 7704 2040) MIND (0845 766 0163) Refugee Council (020 7346 6777) Local community based groups re LGBT such as Bede House (020 7232 1107) Local Victim Support Local hate crime unit (LGBT LO is applicable) Local sexual health organisations Local mental health organisations Local mediation service Local ASB/enforcement service Local social groups

Recommendations : 

Recommendations Homo/bi/transphobia needs to be addressed in all housing policies LGBT-specific supported accommodation Training of staff to have an awareness of LGBT domestic violence and LGBT hate crime Need to improve assessment at HPU when identifying vulnerability & priority need Signposting & partnership working

Slide 14: 

Any questions…? CONTACT: robinnewman@bedehouse.org or 020 7232 1107