A Modern Gay’s Guide cares about the mental and physical health of our readers. If you or anybody you know is experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence please call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
Wow…we can just tell that today will definitely go down in history as one of the most important days in Queer Australian history. Today, the 28th of May, marks the launch of Australia’s much-needed LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day, a day that we will be jotting in our calendar for years to come.
LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day is a day where we, as a community, address the terribly high rates of DV within LGBTI relationships, which often go unreported.
Ben Bjarnesen – the man behind this incredible initiative – is a Senior Constable and LGBT Liaison Officer in Brisbane. Yes, he’s a member of our rainbow community…but he’s also a survivor of DV himself. So Ben knows how invisible and unsupported victims and survivors of DV can feel.
So how can we make them feel supported?
This year’s theme is #ImHereForYou – which aims to raise awareness of DV in LGBTIQ+ communities, remember LGBTIQ+ victims of DV who have lost their lives, recognise LGBTIQ+ survivors, and acknowledge the struggles of those LGBTIQ+ people who may currently be in an abusive relationship.
So, before the day is up, we at Gay’s Guide would love if you could show your support of this amazing cause by posting a pic to your socials with a warm message of hope to LGBTIQ+ victims and survivors of DV
And don’t forget the hashtag #ImHereForYou!
THE DETAILS
What: LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day
When: 28th of May, Annually
Where: Australia
More information: lgbtidvawarenessday.com/get-involved/
If you or someone you know is at risk of family and domestic violence:
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000) and ask for the police.
Support for Queensland women is available from the DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811.
Support for Queensland men is available on the DVConnect Mensline on 1800 600 636.
Call Diverse Voices on 1800 184 527 3pm – midnight. Diverse Voices is a peer-to-peer phone and internet counselling service focused on the diverse voices that make up our community.
