GDASS Newsletter - June 2026

Spotlight: Pride Month: Beyond Visibility – Supporting LGBTQ+ Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Pride Month is a time to celebrate identity, visibility, and community. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges still faced by many LGBTQ+ people, including domestic abuse, and the importance of ensuring support is truly inclusive.

At GDASS, we know that while awareness is improving, LGBTQ+ survivors can face additional barriers when seeking help. This Pride Month, we are focusing on what can get in the way and what we can do differently.

What Makes LGBTQ+ Experiences Different?

Domestic abuse is about power and control, but LGBTQ+ survivors may face added challenges, such as:

Fear of discrimination or not being believed
Concerns about being ‘outed’
Previous negative experiences with services
Lack of representation in support systems

For some, these barriers can make it harder to recognise abuse or feel able to reach out.

When Identity Is Used as Control

Abusers may exploit someone’s identity to maintain control. This can include:

Threats to ‘out’ someone
Misgendering or denying identity
Isolating individuals from LGBTQ+ communities
Using stigma to undermine confidence
Controlling access to gender-affirming items or support

These tactics can be especially isolating, affecting both safety and sense of self.

A Hidden Barrier: Recognising Abuse

Some LGBTQ+ survivors may not initially identify their experiences as abuse. This can be due to:

Limited inclusive messaging about domestic abuse
Beliefs that abuse does not occur in LGBTQ+ relationships
Minimising non-physical harm
Fear of reinforcing stereotypes

This can delay someone from seeking support.

The Role of Professionals

Small changes can make a big difference in helping people feel safe to disclose:

Use inclusive language and avoid assumptions
Respect confidentiality, especially around identity
Listen without judgement and believe disclosures
Recognise identity-based forms of control

Creating a safe and respectful space is key.

How GDASS Can Help

GDASS provides inclusive, trauma-informed support to all individuals affected by domestic abuse. We offer:

Confidential, non-judgemental support
Personalised safety planning
Practical guidance
Advice and support for professionals

Pride Means Safety Too

Pride is about visibility, dignity, and the right to live safely. This Pride Month, we reaffirm the importance of inclusive services and informed professionals, because everyone deserves to feel safe in who they are and in their relationships.

Sector News

Government review of the Domestic Abuse Act highlights ongoing gaps

A recent government review marking five years since the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 found important progress, including stronger recognition of coercive and controlling behaviour and children as victims in their own right. However, it also highlighted ongoing challenges, particularly around consistent implementation and ensuring victims receive effective protection across services. Read more here.

Local: Research launched into teenage relationship abuse

New research funding in Gloucestershire will explore the scale and nature of abuse in relationships involving under-16s. The project aims to address a significant gap in understanding, as this age group is not fully recognised within current domestic abuse definitions, limiting both data collection and tailored support for young people. Read more here.

Government announces new measures to tackle FGM

The government has announced new measures to strengthen the prevention and prosecution of female genital mutilation, including improved reporting processes, better multi-agency working, and enhanced training for professionals. The changes aim to improve early intervention and better protect women and girls at risk. Read more here.

Research and Resources

Centre for Women’s Justice report on criminalisation of survivors

A new report from the Centre for Women’s Justice highlights concerning evidence that some victim-survivors are being wrongly criminalised. The findings point to a lack of understanding of domestic abuse and coercive control within policing and prosecution, leading to inappropriate responses and reduced trust in the justice system. Read the findings here.

Domestic Abuse Commissioner – Victims’ Code consultation response

The Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s recent consultation response on the Victims’ Code sets out key recommendations to strengthen victims’ rights and experiences within the justice system. It emphasises the need for clearer entitlements, improved communication, and more consistent support for victims navigating criminal proceedings. Read more here.

The Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Training Pathway

Entry Level: Introduction to Domestic Abuse Awareness
For all staff. A 1.5 hour general introduction to domestic abuse, what support services exist, and your role in identifying and responding to abuse, including safeguarding colleagues and employees.
Level 1: Domestic Abuse Basic Awareness Training
For frontline and support staff. The 2.5 hour training explores the different types of abuse, its impact, associated risks, and equips staff to recognise signs, ask safe questions, and take appropriate action.
Level 2: Enhanced Domestic Abuse Training
For frontline staff working directly with victims. The half day training provides an in-depth understanding of domestic abuse, complex needs, trauma-informed practice, and safeguarding.
Level 2: Domestic Abuse and Risk Training
For frontline staff working directly with victims. The half day training focuses on risk assessment skills (including DASH), MARAC processes, and multi-agency safeguarding responses.
Level 2 Enhanced Domestic Abuse and Risk
A combined one-day, in-person session bringing together in-depth understanding of domestic abuse with practical DASH risk assessment and MARAC practice. The next confirmed in-person delivery date is 11th June (Tewkesbury).

In addition, specialist training for health professionals is available and can be booked via Eventbrite or by emailing gdasshealthteam@gdass.org.uk.