"An information highway for victims of domestic abuse."™
IMGF does not . . .
Discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, gender identification or any other characteristic protected by law.
Domestic abuse is always about power and control. One partner intentionally gains more and more power over his/her partner. Tactics can include physical, emotional or verbal abuse, isolation, threats, intimidation, minimizing, denying, blaming, coercion, financial abuse, or using children or pets to control your behavior.
Domestic violence runs in a cycle. Typically, things are wonderful at the beginning of the relationship. Gradually, tension starts to build. Finally, an act of violence occurs. This may be verbal or physical. The victim is shocked. The relationship then moves into the "honeymoon" phase. The abuser is remorseful and attentive, and the victim wants to believe the abuse was an isolated incident. Again, the tension gradually builds until another violent act occurs. The longer the cycle goes on, the closer together the acts of violence happen.
What To Do If You Are A Victim of Domestic Violence:
It can be extremely difficult for LGBT victims to admit that domestic violence is an issue in their relationship. Even once they have admitted to themselves that there is a problem, they are often at a loss at where to turn to for help. They may be fearful of receiving a homophobic response from those they seek assistance from.
In most states, domestic violence shelters at least train their staff to be sensitive to LGBT issues when working with victims of domestic violence. In larger states, there are often domestic violence shelters just for LGBT victims.
Call your local domestic violence shelter and ask what services they offer to LGBT clients. If you aren't satisfied with what they offer, ask for a referral to a domestic violence shelter in the largest city near you.
Domestic abuse occurs in approximately 30 to 40% of LGBT relationships, which is the same percentage of violence that occurs in straight relationships. It is a myth that same-sex couples don't batter each other, or if they do, they are just "fighting" or it is "mutual abuse".
Lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender
Click on the link below to view the National Domestic Violence Hotline page, which includes an 800 number that can be called toll free from anywhere in the United States. Calls are answered in English and Spanish, with interpreters available for an additional 139 languages. They can refer you to the domestic violence services closest to you.
NCADVA, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, also has a web site with a listing of state domestic violence coalitions. A phone call to any of these coalitions will refer you to domestic violence shelters and services in your area. Click on the link below for the list of state coalitions.
PFLAG - Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays - www.plfag.org
Also, you don't have to out yourself in order to get help if you choose not to. The fact that you are a victim of domestic violence is enough for you to receive assistance. Do what you need to do to feel safe. Domestic violence advocates and counselors know that you have already been through a lot, and won't pressure you to answer questions you don't want to answer about the name or gender of your abuser.
Please don't give up in reaching out for help. Even in small towns it is possible for you to find help from people sensitive to LGBT clients.
www.justice.gov/ovwKnow the law in your State
Each State has Domestic Violence resources available; however, the laws are tailored to that state. Below is the link to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence State Coalition List.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence State Coalition List
The information contained on this website is for information and educational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. We are not doctors, lawyers or law enforcement. Please do not use the information you read here as a replacement for either. Do not rely solely on what you read here to determine how you will leave your abuser. Contact a shelter, police, or victims’ service organization for help with safety planning and more information on how to leave an abusive relationship.
Copyright 2009-2018 Ina Mae Greene Foundation "For My Sisters" All rights reserved. A 501c3 Foundation.
