16 Days of Activism | Podcast Series
26 Nov 2025
Thorne Harbour Health is proud to deliver a special five-part podcast series for the16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Across these episodes, we explore the many ways family and relationship violence impacts LGBTIQA+ communities — including the forms of abuse that often go unseen or unspoken.
This series was produced by Well, Well, Well on JOY 94.9, with funding and support from Safe and Equal.
🎙️ Episode 1 — What Is Family of Origin Violence?
Family of origin violence is a form of abuse experienced within the families we grow up in — including parents, caregivers, siblings, or relatives. For many LGBTIQA+ people, this can intersect with rejection, control, or hostility around identity.
This episode explores:
- How family of origin violence is defined
- The specific risks for queer and trans young people
- How shame, silence, and isolation shape these experiences
- Pathways to safety, support, and healing
🎙️ Episode 2 — Unseen Abuse: Coercive Control, Isolation & More
Not all family violence looks like physical harm. For many, the most damaging abuse is hidden — emotional manipulation, coercive control, cyber-abuse, identity-based threats, or financial restriction.
This episode examines:
- What coercive control looks like in LGBTIQA+ relationships
- How abusers use identity, gender, or community networks as tools of control
- Barriers queer and trans victim-survivors face when seeking help
- How to recognise the difference between conflict and abuse
🎙️Episode 3 — Leaving a Violent Relationship
Leaving a violent relationship is only the first step — this episode explores the realities of healing, safety, and rebuilding for LGBTQIA+ survivors.
We discuss:
- Barriers queer people face when leaving unsafe relationships
- Supports and services that create safer transitions
- How identity and lived experience shape recovery
- The role of chosen family and community in healing
- Why recovery is non-linear and often misunderstood
🎙️Episode 4 — Supporting Those Who Use Harm to Change
Ending violence also means supporting people who use harm to change — with approaches that reflect the realities of queer relationships.
We discuss:
- Why intervention matters alongside survivor support
- How violence presents in LGBTQIA+ relationships
- Misconceptions and myths shaped by gendered assumptions
- What meaningful accountability and change look like
- How to balance compassion with responsibility
🎙️Episode 5 — Mainstream Services Supporting Queer Clients
This episode looks at how mainstream systems can better respond to LGBTQIA+ people experiencing family and intimate partner violence.
We discuss:
- When gendered models fail queer clients
- The impacts of misidentification
- Barriers to safe disclosure and culturally safe care
- What best practice and reform could look like
- The ongoing need for LGBTQIA+-specific services
Get Support
If you or someone you know needs help, you’re not alone. These services can offer confidential, non-judgemental support.
Thorne Harbour Health
We provide a range of specialist family violence services, including counselling and behaviour change programs.
Rainbow Door: 1800 729 367
A free specialist LGBTIQA+ support service for family violence, mental health, and wellbeing.
QLife: 1800 184 527 (3pm–12am daily)
Nationwide anonymous peer support for LGBTIQA+ communities.
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
National 24/7 service for people impacted by domestic, family, or sexual violence.
Safe Steps: 1800 015 188
24/7 crisis support, refuge access, and safety planning.
If you’re in immediate danger, please call 000.
FRI Nov 28
Walk Against Family Violence
FRI
28
Nov