|
Domestic violence occurs in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
relationships as often as in straight (or heterosexual)
relationships. While many of the dynamics of battering of LGBT
partners are the same as in straight relationships, there are also
some differences.
It is important for survivors of LGBT battering to be aware of the
specific dynamics of domestic violence in LGBT relationships so that
they can better plan for their safety. It is equally important for
domestic violence programs to understand LGBT culture and how LGBT
people are affected by battering so that more effective services can
be provided.
In the summer of 2003, the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic
Violence (NCCADV) began a new initiative aimed at addressing
domestic violence in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
relationships. The initiative, Project Rainbow Net, is a grassroots
effort based on the insight of an advisory council made up of
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who have an
understanding of domestic violence in LGBT relationships and a
desire to end it.
Project Rainbow Net will provide a series of trainings to LGBT
community groups and domestic violence service providers across the
state in order to improve our state's response to LGBT survivors of
domestic violence. Information will be gathered and disseminated to
domestic violence programs and LGBT community groups working to
address domestic violence in LGBT relationships.
This website, as well as the NCCADV website (www.nccadv.org)
contains information about domestic violence in LGBT relationships,
tools for domestic violence service providers, tips on helping a
friend experiencing domestic violence, and links to other online
resources. |
