Australia’s first female Governor-General, Dame Quentin Bryce has lent her support towards the first LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day which will be held on Thursday.
Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate, so the inaugural day will shine a light on the staggeringly high levels of domestic violence being experienced within LGBTI relationships and seriously low levels of reporting.
Up to 62 per cent of LGBTI people have experienced domestic violence within their relationships, yet awareness of the issue and reporting rates are still incredibly low, with less than six per cent being reported to police, according to recent studies.
The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO has asked everyone to put their hands up and ask what they can do to help LGBTI people in this situation.
“Congratulations to our LGBTI community on creating a special day, 28 May to raise awareness about the vitally important work that must be done by everyone to prevent domestic and family violence,” Dame Bryce said.
“Each one of us must ask ourselves ‘what can I, me, myself do to help this urgent cause; in my workplace, at home, in my sporting club, at my school, in my neighbourhood’.
“We must never back away from our ambition of zero tolerance.”
Queensland Police Officer, DVConnect Board Member, and a survivor of domestic violence, Ben Bjarnesen founded the LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day to raise awareness and help victims.
“We are in this fight to stamp out domestic violence of every kind throughout Australia, and part of that fight is to raise awareness and improve support for those suffering from domestic violence within LGBTI communities,” Bjarnesen said.
“COVID-19 is compounding the effects of domestic violence on victims, so it’s more crucial than ever before that we stand together to bring about change.
“It’s time to speak up, remove the stigma and show those suffering from domestic violence and the survivors, that you support them by spreading the words #ImHereForYou.”
Also adding his voice to the campaign, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, said during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month each year, we are reminded of the shocking statistics, but few are aware that, hidden behind those raw numbers and percentages is a darker story – unreported abuse in LGBTIQ+ relationships.
“With its hash-tag, #ImHereForYou, this much-needed awareness strategy will help to dispel public misconceptions around abuse in LGBTIQ+ relationships,” His Excellency said.
“At the same time, it will make victims aware that help is available and that they need not suffer trauma, fear and prejudice in silence.”
Show your support with personal messages of hope by spreading the words #ImHereForYou .
Download the Resource Kit and find further information at www.LGBTIDVAwarenessDay.com or connect on Facebook or Instagram @lgbti.dv.awareness.day
If you or someone you know is at risk of family and domestic violence in Australia:
- In an emergency call Triple Zero (000) and ask for the police.
- 1800RESPECT Helpline is the National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service – Call 1800 737 732
- Call QLife on 1800 184 527 3pm – midnight. QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Last Updated on May 26, 2020
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