Domestic violence victims in gay and lesbian relationships may be too scared to report crimes for fear of being “outed”.
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New figures for domestic violence in the LGBTIQ community have been released by Domestic Violence NSW in its Calling it What it Really is report.
Of 813 respondents, 54.7 per cent had been in an emotionally abusive relationship and 34.8 per cent physically or sexually abused.
The figures were disproportionately higher for transgender, gender diverse and intersex participants.
The report found 74.6 per cent of respondents had experienced emotional abuse.
It also revealed 52.5 per cent of people surveyed suffered physical or sexual abuse.
Senior Constable Alicia Langman, a family violence officer in Albury, said people in the LGBTIQ community could be more resistant to report domestic violence.
She said one partner more comfortable with his or her sexuality could threaten “if you don't do what I say, I’ll out you”.
“There’s a bit more pressure because of the perception of gay and lesbian couples in the community,” she said.
Inspector David Cottee said Albury Police had promoted gay and lesbian liaison officers during the year.
He said gender was not an issue when officers were called to a domestic dispute.
“Our aim is to treat everyone equally,” Inspector Cottee said.
“Relationships are relationships.”
Melonie Smith, a member of the Border gay and lesbian support group Hume Phoenix, noted the high numbers among transgender respondents to the survey.
She said threats of isolation towards transgender people could lead to a “shame spiral”.
“They’re such as high risk group,” Ms Smith said.
“When people are escaping violence, they rely on their friends and family a lot.”
A lack of crisis accommodation for gay men, not just female victims of violence, was an issue identified.
“I think we need to look at (LGBTQI domestic violence) because it’s very topical,” Ms Smith said.
