What's New?

• Findings from our Survey of Needs and Provision related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) homelessness service clients , including the proportion of clients that are LGBT in project surveyed by type of project.

• Standing Together Against Domestic Violence

Standing Together work with statutory and voluntary sector agencies only. They do not work directly with people are experiencing domestic violence. They have produced a publications leaflet which is available for download. This covers all people who experience domestic violence not just those in the LGBT community.

• Broken Rainbow LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline - launch in partnership with London Lesbian Gay Switchboard

Broken Rainbow

Broken Rainbow is the only helpline in the UK dedicated to supporting members of the LGBT community affected by domestic violence. We have recently gone in to an exciting partnership with London’s Lesbian & Gay Switchboard. We are launching our new Broken Rainbow Helpline service toward end of November 2007. The Helpline telephone support will be open for two and a half days every week to offer specialist support. At other times LLGS is open to take general calls on all LGBT related queries.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is a serious social issue in all communities, with statistics of one in four women experiencing it at some point in their lives. It’s generally assumed to be physical violence, but it also includes the misuse of power and the exercise of control within an intimate relationship – very often, this person is a partner, or ex-partner. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial. The impact of such abuse can be devastating, leaving not just physical, but emotional trauma, shattered confidence, and self- esteem.

For those of us who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, the added dimensions of our sexuality, and culture such as being part of another minority community, are often used as a weapon against us to instil silence. For LGBT people this can be through intimidation, threats, constant criticism, and isolation within home, or from the scene.

Talking about domestic abuse can be extremely difficult, especially with ideas such as those we often hear,

“I didn’t think lesbians could be abusive..” “She never hit me so it’s not violence really…”

The Broken Rainbow LGBT DV Helpline therefore provides a safe space for LGBT people experiencing domestic violence to talk in confidence to trained and dedicated LGBT people who understand the impact this can have on lives. We are a charity, offering professional, emotional and practical support, which includes confidential, listening, information and signposting service. We are also committed to raising awareness of domestic violence in the LGBT community and the wider community in order to find a voice and justice for victims and survivors. We do this by working closely with other professionals and agencies including LGBT, Domestic Violence, and statutory organisations.

Quotes from Helpline

“Thank goodness you were there to listen, I thought I was going mad with all the put downs from my girlfriend...” Helpline Call

“We make a great couple, and I didn’t ever see myself as someone who would otherwise put up with abuse behaviour.” Helpline Call

Broken Rainbow Domestic Violence Helpline 08452 60 44 60 (local call rate) Monday & Thursdays 2pm – 8pm Wednesdays 10am – 1pm http://www.broken-rainbow.org.uk

Broken Rainbow Administration Line (for agencies) 08452 60 55 60

London Lesbian Gay Switchboard 020 7837 6768

Broken Rainbow is a registered charity number 1103624 Limited Company Number 5009850 Funded by The Nationwide Foundation & the Home Office

Please contact Broken Rainbow office for further information, or Nick Wallbridge, Co-Chair Broken Rainbow on Rita Hirani, Consultant CEO on office / mobile 08452 60 55 60

• The Greater London Authority's Sexual Orientation Equality Scheme - From isolation to inclusion

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people are represented in every community in London, one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the world. The LGB community make a significant cultural, social, and economic contribution to London and although there is no hard data on the numbers of LGB people, as sexual orientation is not a specific category in the National Census, it is estimated that LGB people make up 10 per cent of London’s population.

To view the report click here note: It is a large pdf document so may take some time to download

or visit http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/equalities/soes/index.jsp

• The International Day Against Homophobia

17th May 2007

The International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is a day that can be used to raise awareness of homophobic issues that are negatively impacting on people’s lives and to also showcase success stories where a positive change has been achieved.

In Southwark there are two events - one where leaflets are given to commuters at the Elephant and Castle speaking out loud and proud with the police and supporting agencies stating that homophobic crime will not be tolerated in the borough. This will happen on the 16th May 2007. The second event, on 17th May, will be a short memorial ceremony to remember victims of homophobic (and trans-phobic) crime in Southwark and to acknowledge that LGBT hate crime is still happening. All are welcome to this event, especially victims and friends of LGBT Hate Crime.

Guests are welcome to bring a flower or small bouquet of (bio degradable) flowers to float away on the tide in remembrance of those involved in the fight against homophobic and trans-phobic crime.

For further information please contact Russell Pritchard, LGBT liaison officer, Southwark Police 020 7232 6159 or Dax Ashworth, LGBT community development worker, Southwark Council 020 7525 5659

http://www.southwark-lgbt.org

• Homeless Link and the Albert Kennedy Trust have joined forces to produce a new good practice resource for managers and frontline staff working with LGBT people who are homeless. No straight answers highlights some of the issues facing LGBT homeless people and offers top tips for managers, staff and LGBT people.

• Respect and the Men's Advice Line (MALE) have announced, that with effect from 1 November 2006 Respect will oversee the management and further development of the Men's Advice Line. This will secure the future of the Men's Advice Line and its role in supporting male victims of domestic abuse.

Respect also run the Respect Phoneline for perpetrators of domestic violence. Both the Respect Phoneline and the Men's Advice Line will retain distinct identities which reflect their respective target audiences. For further information on either service please see the relevant websites.

The Issues

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people can face specific difficulties when homeless, including prejudice and discrimination. Mainstream hostels and other projects do not always meet their needs and specialist agencies and facilities are not always available.

Sexuality and Homelessness is a short paper outlining the issues facing LGBT people who are or at risk of being homeless.

The LGBT Domestic Abuse Forum, in association with Broken Rainbow, recently (July 2006) produced Domestic abuse among LGBT people, which described how LGBT people can face domestic violence and/or abuse from family members, as well as their partners.

Out On My Own: Understanding the Experiences and Needs of Homeless Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth is a recent (June 2006) study produced by the University of Brighton.

Resources

• Spotlight on LGBT issues - notes from the event held at the Homeless Link Offices in London, 26 September 2006

• Stonewall Housing provides supported housing, advice and advocacy for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in London. In 2001, it published Meeting the needs of homeless lesbian and gay youth. In 2005, it produced Sexual Exclusion , which looks at issues and best practice in LGB housing and homelessness.

• Triangle Wales and Stonewall Cymru have just launched thier research into the housing needs of young LGBT people in Wales. Housing needs of young LGBT people in Wales

• The Dyn Project is a safety planning and advocacy service for men who have experienced domestic abuse. The Project works with gay, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual men in Cardiff and across Wales and can offer a range of services and resources to assist men in abusive relationships. The Project operates two services in Wales:

· Men in Cardiff can access the project on 029 20 226622.

· Men in the rest of Wales can contact the Dyn Wales / Dyn Cymru Helpline on 0808 801 0321. The helpline is open Monday 9am - 12noon, Wednesday 1pm - 4pm and Thursday 6pm - 9pm.

Further details are available at : http://www.dynproject.org

• The Albert Kennedy Trust works with young LGBT people who are homeless or a risk of becoming homeless to ensure they have accepting and supportive homes.

• Stonewall runs the Diversity Champions programme – a good practice forum promoting LGBT equality in the workplace, which includes homelessness projects.