Lesbian, bisexual and trans women suffer domestic abuse too, is
the message from domestic violence charity Broken Rainbow.
Today, Friday 25 November, is the United Nations' International
Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and Broken
Rainbow wants us to remember that LBT women can be victims too.
All over the world LBT women are abused and killed every day as
their partners, exes or family members use violence against them,
the charity says. These victims are often afraid to seek help for
fear that they will be "outed" for being lesbian, bi or trans. The
violence can include physical harm, psychological intimidation,
threats to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity,
"honour" killing and forced marriage.
Says Broken Rainbow: "Last year Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General
of the UN, declared that 'Violence against women and girls has no
place in any society'. If this is to be true, we must remember LBT
women too."
Broken Rainbow runs the only nationwide UK helpline specialising
in LGBT domestic violence. The organisation has 10 years'
experience in the sector, and also campaigns for better awareness
in LGBT communities and trains providers.
For more information or to get help for yourself or someone you
care about, visit www.broken-rainbow.org.uk.
To donate £2 to Broken Rainbow text BRUK11 £2 to
70070.
