Greater Manchester Police is working with national charity Broken Rainbow to raise awareness about domestic abuse in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community this weekend.
The campaign is the first of its kind, specifically dedicated to the LGBT community and has been launched ahead of Manchester Pride Festival, which takes place this weekend (28 – 31 August).
Posters featuring same sex couples and the strapline ‘there is no pride in domestic abuse’ will be shared across Greater Manchester and on social media to make victims aware that support is available regardless of sexual orientation. Throughout the weekend we will have increased patrols in the Village and will have a stand in partnership with Broken Rainbow where we will be giving out advice.
Greater Manchester Police Detective Chief Superintendent Vanessa Jardine said: “The sad reality is that domestic abuse affects everyone, including men and women from the LGBT community.
“Members of the LGBT community face a number of barriers when reporting this crime which is why it’s important that our campaign breaks down the gender stereotype and gives victims the voice and strength to speak out. We hope this campaign will encourage victims, friends and family members to report abuse and have the confidence to come forward.
“Domestic abuse takes many forms and the campaign aims to dispel some myths and give people the confidence to report crimes in the knowledge that it will be dealt with.
“By working with charities such as Broken Rainbow we can help stamp out the stigma associated with this horrendous crime in the LGBT community.”
Jo Harvey Barringer Managing Director Broken Rainbow said “Having just recently relocated to Manchester, we welcome this initiative from Greater Manchester Police and we are really pleased to both support and partner it.
“Although there are a number of similarities to women experiencing abuse in heterosexual relationships – the ways they can all experience psychological, sexual, physical and financial violence and abuse – the one main issue that differs is the lack of support services available to LGBT survivors or perpetrators; particularly from statutory services.
“Last year we had over 6,500 points of contact from LGBT individuals from across the UK looking for help and support; often reporting a negative experience from the police.
Therefore to work with a forward thinking force like Greater Manchester Police on this initiative is a positive move for the LGBT community as a whole. We look forward to having a long and productive relationship with them.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “This campaign should bring hope to LGBT people who live under the cloud of domestic violence, encouraging them to come forward and get the help they need to break the cycle of abuse.”
For confidential help and support to all member of the LGBT community, their family and friends contact Broken Rainbow call 0800 999 5428 or use their online chat service available via their website which will be open over the Pride weekend.
To report crime to police call 101, always dial 999 in an emergency.
