The Queensland Police Service (QPS) marked LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day last Friday (28 May) by sending a clear message that domestic and family violence (DFV) would not be tolerated.
Founder of LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day, Senior Constable Ben Bjarnesen (pictured) said while statistics were difficult to collate, evidence suggested that more than 60 per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people had experienced DFV.
“LGBTQ people face a series of unique circumstances in DFV situations,” Senior Constable Bjarnesen said.
“Despite the prevalence, LGBTQ people are less likely to find support services that meet their specific needs, are less likely to identify DFV in their relationships and less likely to report it to the police or to seek support from services.”
He said the aim of LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day was to raise community awareness of the prevalence of DFV in the communities and remember those who had lost their lives due to DFV.
“Reporting domestic and family violence is critical,” Senior Constable Bjarnesen said.
“The QPS takes all reports of DFV seriously and under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act, must investigate all DFV reported to police.
“Everyone has the right to live without fear of domestic and family violence, no matter their sexuality or gender identity,” he said.
