LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day 28 May 2021

A shocking one in every two LGBTQ people will experience domestic, family and intimate partner violence and abuse (DV) in their lifetime. So on May 28, the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Foundation will launch its #SeenAndBelieved campaign to shine a light on the prevalence of domestic and family violence in LGBTQ communities, and make these invisible victims, visible.

Now in its second year, the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day is the first and only event like it in the world that aims to help end violence and abuse within LGBTQ communities, and to break down the barriers to victims and survivors seeking and gaining support.

With dangerously high levels of domestic and family violence being experienced within LGBTQ communities, and low levels of reporting, research indicates victims feel they are not seen and won’t be believed.

Feeling invisible leaves LGBTQ people without access to the proper support they require, so the Foundation is working hard to show these victims and survivors they’ll be #SeenAndBelieved and that there are people and organisations available to support them.

Founder and Managing Director Ben Bjarnesen said it is vital people within LGBTQ communities feel empowered to have their voices heard and that they are believed.

“Domestic and family violence is an insidious issue that can affect anyone regardless of their gender, income, occupation, location, race, or religion. LGBTQ people are not immune from experiencing this problem,” Mr Bjarnesen said.

“Because the majority of mainstream coverage of domestic and family violence frames the issue as exclusively a heterosexual problem, many LGBTQ people feel that what they are experiencing doesn’t fall under the umbrella of domestic violence. Or if they seek help, they either won’t be believed or support won’t be available.

“We need to make sure that LGBTQ people know they are seen, they are believed, and that there are organisations who will support them.”

The campaign continues to expand beyond Australia and is now commemorated in many other countries including the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Brazil, Ireland, Sweden and The Netherlands.

In a demonstration of solidarity, landmarks across the globe will be lit in rainbow colours on May 28 to acknowledge the significance of this event.

Workplaces, educational institutions and the community, are encouraged to start a conversation about what they can do to ensure all people, including LGBTQ people, are supported if they experience domestic or family violence.

People are also encouraged to learn more about the unique methods of power and control that may be experienced in LGBTQ relationships and how to reduce any barriers to reporting by visiting DVAfoundation.org​

Patron of the Foundation, The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO said everyone deserved the right to feel safe in their relationships.

“Everyone deserves to live a life free from Domestic and Family Violence. LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day will continue to raise awareness about the vitally important work that must be done by everyone to prevent domestic and family violence.  Each one of us must ask ourselves ‘what can I, me, myself do to help this urgent cause; in my workplace, at home, in my sporting club, at my school, in my neighbourhood….’.  We must never back away from our ambition of zero tolerance.” Ms Bryce said.

With the support of the community, we can ensure there are no invisible victims in the future and that everyone, no matter their sexuality or gender identity can feel #SeenAndBelieved.

You can find more information about how you can become involved in the campaign here.

Download the Resource Kit and find further information at DVAFoundation.org or connect on Facebook or Instagram @lgbtq.dvafoundation