Intimate partner violence within LGBTIQ relationships is known to occur at a similar rate to heterosexual relationships.
What is intimate partner violence?
Intimate partner violence, regardless of the sex or gender of the person perpetrating it, is a pattern of
The situation can often be more difficult for LGBTIQ people experiencing intimate partner violence, as widespread heterosexism and homophobia
We would encourage anyone at risk of intimate partner violence to reach out for support using the resources listed below.
What does it look like?
Intimate partner violence that LGBTIQ people might experience can take many forms including:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Financial abuse
- Social abuse
Examples of intimate partner violence may look like:
- Using someone’s HIV status or sexuality to ‘out’ them to friends, family or employers
- Not respecting their right to say ‘No’ to sex
- Controlling
omeone’s access to medications - Gaslighting—making someone doubt their own version of events, making the victim out to be a liar or to have a mental health condition
- Controlling someone’s access to their own finances or payments to ensure financial dependence
What can I do?
If you think you are experiencing violence from your partner there are a few steps you can take to seek support. Consider discussing your situation with a trusted friend or family member. Experiencing violence in a relationship can be very isolating, and breaking that isolation can help you decide on the best path to take moving forward.
If you don’t have anyone to talk to, or you feel that reaching out to people you know may be too exposing or increase your risk of violence, you can contact a number of organisations and services that can offer you support.
If there is an immediate threat to your safety call the police on
Where can I get support?
Triangle Project has extensive experience supporting people experiencing violence and trauma. We also work closely with other services providers that help people experiencing intimate partner violence.
Contact us to find out more about how we can help.
IPV Research
Read Triangle Project’s research report “I’m your maker”: Power, heteronormativity and violence in women’s same-sex relationships, which responds to the knowledge gap and contributes to an improved understanding of intimate partner violence experienced by queer women in their same-sex relationships.