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LGBTQIA+ Domestic Violence Soars in Lockdown But We're Silent

  • Writer: Daniel Jones
    Daniel Jones
  • Jul 26, 2020
  • 3 min read

In ordinary times, it is unfortunately common for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to feel unsafe in their own homes, be that because of abusive partners or unaccepting families. For example, one quarter of young people at risk of homelessness are LGBTQIA+, often as a result of families rejecting them, and a tenth of LGBT people have experienced domestic abuse from a partner, with this figure nearly doubling (19%) for trans people.


As such, when covid-19 and the corresponding lockdown began, organisations around the world geared up to try to adapt and cope with the inevitable influx in domestic abuse reports and emergencies. This unfortunately proved necessary with the LGBT Foundation seeing a 30% increase in domestic abuse/violence reports to their helpline since lockdown restrictions began. This is even more astounding when one considers that the vast majority of victims won't report their abusers.


Despite this, I had to go out of my way to find this information. General news outlets have widely failed to cover these issues, as has the government, which unfortunately is a running theme not only in their approach to domestic abuse within the LGBTQIA+ community, but in general.


Whilst other countries have been quick to address domestic abuse issues, ratifying and applying in domestic legislation the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention), the UK has yet to do so. Further, the Domestic Abuse Bill has been backbenched several times resulting in precious little coming of this already sorely lacking potential piece of legislation.


With domestic violence continuing to increase at an alarming rate during lockdown, it is shocking that no one is talking about this. Words have power, and action can drive change so why aren’t publications speaking on this? Why is it that when you search for this information specifically on this topic, it is only organisations already actively engaged with addressing domestic violence in the LGBTQIA+ community and in general.


Organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have however, utilised their platforms, running campaigns to highlight these increased threats in domestic violence. This no doubt, along with organisations highlighting statistical evidence of surges such as Refuge’s report of an increase of visits to their site of 950%, have prompted the UK’s #YouAreNotAlone campaign and pledge of £28 million to address domestic abuse during lockdown.


While both responses sound wonderful in theory, in practice they prove to be sorely lacking. The #YouAreNotAlone campaign was short lived, and service providers have raised concerns that the pledge is unsatisfactory. The funds are insufficient to meet needs, and no funds have been dedicated to organisations ‘led by and for’ organisations representing marginalised groups such as the LGBTQIA+, BAME, women, or disabled communities.


What’s more, only £1 million has actually been seen by frontline organisations, and accessing funds is so complex that it proves cumbersome, slowing funding and thus resources for action immensely.


In any situation, living with an abuser can prove to be not only terrifying, but confusing. You will be made to feel isolated, like a burden, and feel as if you have no one to turn to. The nature of your relationship with this person may also make you feel a sense of loyalty to them, or you may be worried about the impact of reporting on other members of your family. This holds many back from reporting abuse, and if you are one of these people, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, but that it is also important to take steps to protect yourself in an immediate sense.


These fears are not uncommon, and during lockdown when you may more than ever feel you have nowhere else to go, you may understandably be feeling more terrified than ever. Time and again, we see marginalised group bear the brunt of the flaws in society the strongest, but organisations are still working to support you. These organisations still exist being run by and for people with similar backgrounds and stories to you, whether you’re LGBTQIA+, a woman, black, Asian, or any other ethnic minority.


Remember, support still exists and people understand no matter your background so if you need it, reach out. If you’re lucky enough not to need it, you can still help. Support by donating if you can, write to your MP, sign petitions, check in with your friends (often those at most risk are also the best at hiding it) that they’re safe and ok, and raise awareness of these issues!


Below are a variety of LGBTQIA+ organisations that can help LGBTQIA+ people whether you need help with your mental health, accessing medication and medical appointments, a safe place to escape to, or just someone to talk to:


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