Durham University Department of Sociology galop safe | just | fair LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment for Central Bedfordshire Council Prof Catherine Donovan, Durham University Dr. Jasna Magic and Sarah West, Galop, LGBT anti-violence charity April, 2021 : ---
Acknowledgements Over the course of this project we engaged with over 120 Central Bedfordshire residents who identified as LGBT+, some of whom had experienced or were experiencing abuse from partners or family members. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to them for sharing their experiences. More than 45 professionals working in Central Bedfordshire contributed to the project as well, and we thank them for their input. Particular thanks go to Joy Piper, Jo Bellamy, Claire Harding, Nina Page and Lisa Wright for all their assistance with the data collection and feedback throughout the project. Our thanks are also extended to the wider Galop team, particularly Lis Harrington, Thomas Labrune and Laura Wilson who provided communications and outreach support throughout this project. With thanks to Bedford and Central Bedfordshire Public Health who provided the funding for this project, and to Durham University, through whom ethical approval was gained. About Galop Galop is the UK's only specialist LGBT+ anti-violence and abuse charity. Our mission is to make life safe, just and fair for LGBT+ people. We provide advice, support and advocacy to people who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence and hate crime. We lead on the provision of specialist ISVA, IDVA and hate crime services for LGBT+ survivors; we run the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline and the LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline; and we offer specialist support to LGBT+ children and young people at risk of serious harm. Galop works to represent the voices, experiences and needs of LGBT+ survivors at national and local levels. An understanding of anti-LGBT+ prejudice and the intersectional lived experience of all LGBT+ people and communities underpins our work. Further information at www.galop.org.uk. Suggested citation C. Donovan, J. Magi? & S. West. LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment for Central Bedfordshire. Galop, London and Durham University, 2021 Proofreading: Dr David Gilfoyle -- ---
Table of contents Acknowledgements 2 About Galop 2 Executive summary 4 Key findings from existing UK research 4 Key findings from Central Bedfordshire research 5 Recommendations 8 Central Bedfordshire Council 8 Statutory and voluntary services 9 Introduction 11 Literature review. Prevalence of domestic abuse 12 12 Nature and dynamics of abuse. 14 Barriers in access to services. 16 LGBT+ inclusive responses: prevention and early intervention 17 Project methodology 19 Research involving the Central Bedfordshire LGBT+ community 21 LGBT+ survey sample demographics 21 Abusive behaviours from family members 24 Impacts of family abuse. 26 Help-seeking following family abuse 27 Response to disclosure following family abuse 29 The intimate relationships of LGBT+ respondents 30 Abuse from partners or ex-partners 30 Impacts of intimate partner abuse 32 Help-seeking following intimate partner abuse 33 Response to disclosure following intimate partner abuse 34 Research involving the Central Bedfordshire professional support services and practitioners ... 36 Service eligibility criteria