Thursday 28th May is the first LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day, and Rach and Dean spoke to LGBTI Domestic Violence advocate Ben Bjarnesen about why he advocated for this day, and why we need not stick our heads in the clouds when it comes to violence in our communities.

 

Recent studies have demonstrated that up to 62% of LGBTIQ+ people have experienced DV in their relationships, yet awareness of the issue and reporting rates are still incredibly low. The “Sorting it Out” report recently found that as few as 5.3% of victims were reporting domestic violence to Police.

 

DV can come in many forms, but we need to keep in the forefront of our minds that everyone deserves a life free from violence and abuse. Everyone needs support when asking for help, whether that be someone to talk to or helping to find the right support service they need.

 

No victim of DV should feel invisible.

 

We are here for you, we believe you, and the more we create a space for people to share their stories and experiences we shine a light on the problem. Stretching out a hand or a shoulder of support to those that need it.

 

#ImHereforYou

 

If you are unsure what to do and don’t know who to talk to, you can reach out to Switchboard Victoria or QLife Australia who are always here to help.