2019 CONFERENCE PROGRAM
REGISTER NOWEnhancing The Police Response To LGBTI Domestic Violence
Background
Media campaigns, support services, and Police generally discuss and make policy about DV as a “heterosexual problem” with victims of DV being females and children. As a result there are tens of thousands of LGBTI victims of DV who have inadequate support services, are not aware they are victims, or are too scared to seek support due to their sexuality or gender identity. The more equipped police and support services are to engage, refer, and connect with
LGBTI communities, the more effective that response may be.
LGBTI people are less likely to see themselves as experiencing abuse or being an abuser if they cannot identify with the portrayed characteristics of domestic violence within the public eye, and therefore do not believe that support is available to them. This can contribute to the significantly higher rates of DV in LGBTI relationships when compared with heterosexual relationships.
A historical mistrust of Police puts LGBTI people in a far greater danger of becoming victims of significant or protracted abuse or violence as it does not allow Police or support services to engage with the victim and intervene in this cycle or provide support.
Structure of workshop
Powerpoint, videos, small group activities (if time permits. I can do the group exercises for presentations that are 90min or longer)
Intended outcomes
- Recognition that DV occurs in all relationships, not just heterosexual.
- Greater awareness of behaviours and dynamics that are unique to DV in LGBTI communities.
- Increased awareness of factors preventing members of LGBTI communities contacting support services and Police.
- The benefits of Government and NGOs advertising inclusivity on their web pages and opening up direct referrals from community members.
- Increased referral pathways between QPS and service providers that results in increased access to support for LGBTIQ community members and community appropriate Police responses.