The core feature of any type of relationship violence is the use of the coercive control or tactics of abuse within the relationship. Coercive control may manifest in many different ways unique to the specific relationship. The purpose of someone engaging in this behaviour is to exert a degree of power and control within the relationship and over their loved one. For the person on the receiving end of this abusive behaviour, it can be very confusing and even shaming of them; they may still love the person using abusive behaviours and not be sure what to do? They just want the abuse to stop.
What we know from research is that LGBTIQ people are generally not aware they may be experiencing violence in their significant relationships, and they may delay seeking help. They often may not know or trust police or services for fear of being judged - or worse, not being believed.
There is a lack of mainstream services that have the capacity to appropriately respond to LGBTIQ people who need to address their risk of intimate partner and family violence.
We would encourage anyone at risk of intimate partner of family violence to reach out for support by checking the available resources listed below.