GDASS Newsletter June 2025
A monthly update of news, training and opportunities from GDASS.
Spotlight
Pride Month: Shining a Light on Domestic Abuse in LGBTQ+ Communities
Pride Month is a time to celebrate identity, visibility, and equality. But it’s also an important moment to acknowledge the ongoing challenges many LGBTQ+ people face – including the reality of domestic abuse, both from intimate partners and family members.
At GDASS, we recognise that LGBTQ+ individuals may experience domestic abuse in multiple forms, and that their experiences can be made more complex by discrimination, fear of ‘outing’, or a lack of inclusive support services.
Abuse in LGBTQ+ Communities – What We Know
- Around 1 in 4 lesbian, gay or bisexual people have experienced domestic abuse in a relationship.
- 45% of trans people report experiencing abuse from a partner, family member or both (Galop, 2021).
- Young LGBTQ+ people are at heightened risk of familial rejection, abuse, and homelessness, particularly when they come out or begin transitioning.
- Many LGBTQ+ survivors report barriers to support, including fear of discrimination, lack of tailored services, or concern about not being believed.
Two Faces of Abuse: Intimate Partners and Family
1. Intimate Partner Abuse
Domestic abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships can involve all the usual tactics – physical violence, coercive control, financial abuse, and sexual harm – but also:
- Threats to 'out' someone’s gender identity or sexuality.
- Refusing to acknowledge a person’s identity, e.g. misgendering or minimising their sexuality.
- Isolating someone from LGBTQ+ community or friends.
- Undermining confidence by suggesting they won’t be believed or supported.
- Manipulating access to gender-affirming care, clothing, or medication.
2. Familial Abuse
LGBTQ+ individuals – especially younger people and those still living at home – may also face abuse from family members, including:
- Emotional abuse or rejection after coming out.
- Attempts to suppress or change their identity, often rooted in cultural, religious or social shame.
- Control and isolation, such as banning LGBTQ+ friendships, events, or media.
- Coercion and threats, including being forced to conceal their identity or leave home.
- Honour-based abuse, in some cases where families see LGBTQ+ identity as bringing shame.
In both contexts, abuse is about power and control, often using the victim’s identity as a weapon.
What to Look Out For
Professionals may notice:
- Anxiety about ‘being found out’ or fear of being outed.
- Sudden homelessness or family estrangement.
- Isolation from peers, community or LGBTQ+ support networks.
- Reluctance to label the experience as abuse.
- Poor mental health, self-harm or substance use are linked to relationship or family stress.
It’s important to create space where survivors feel safe to disclose abuse, knowing they will be believed and respected.
How GDASS Can Help
At GDASS, we offer inclusive, trauma-informed, and confidential support to all victims of domestic abuse, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. We understand the additional barriers LGBTQ+ people can face and work with them to create practical safety plans and emotional support tailored to their needs.
We also support professionals and partner agencies with advice, training, and joint working, to ensure LGBTQ+ victims receive the right help at the right time.
Sector News
New Data Reveals Higher Prevalence of Domestic Abuse
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has updated its methodology for measuring domestic abuse, now estimating that 1 in 4 adults in England and Wales have experienced abuse since the age of 16, up from previous estimates of 1 in 5. This change reflects improved survey questions that better capture coercive control and other non-physical forms of abuse. Read more here.
£20 Million Funding Boost for Victim Support Services
The Home Office has announced a £19.9 million investment to enhance support for victims of domestic and sexual abuse. This includes £5.3 million dedicated to services for children affected by domestic abuse and £2.4 million allocated to Southall Black Sisters to support migrant victims who cannot access public funds. Read more here.
Concerns Over Sentencing Reforms
Proposed sentencing reforms aiming to reduce prison overcrowding have raised concerns among domestic abuse survivors and advocates. The reforms suggest early release for certain offenders and a reduction in short-term custodial sentences. Critics argue that these changes could diminish justice for victims and potentially increase risks for survivors. Read more here.
Rise in Hidden Camera Abuse Cases
There has been a reported 24% increase in voyeurism and exhibitionism cases in the UK over the past year, with many involving hidden cameras used by trusted individuals. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulations on surveillance equipment and better support for survivors affected by such invasive abuses. Read more here. Read more here.
Research and Resources
University of Leicester's DREAMS Project
The University of Leicester's School of Criminology is concluding its DREAMS (Domestic abuse: Responses in mental health services) project in May 2025. This research focuses on improving the identification and response to domestic abuse within mental health services. The project includes interviews with professionals and service users to develop best practices for supporting victims. Read more here.
'Do You See Me?' Short Film
Dewis Choice has released a short film titled 'Do You See Me?', co-produced with older LGBTQ+ victim-survivors. The film provides insights into domestic abuse from the lived experiences of four older individuals, aiming to raise awareness and understanding of abuse in later life within the LGBTQ+ community. Watch here.