Women experiencing abuse from a female partner
Domestic violence and abuse can happen in any relationship including with someone of the same gender. If you are in a relationship with another woman and you sometimes feel scared then this is a sign that the relationship may be abusive. Abuse can be violent or include sexual contact that you don't want or are not happy with. Abuse can also be emotional and financial. You do not have to be physically attacked to be in an abusive relationship. Types of abuse may include:
Hitting, punching, pinching, slapping - or any other type of physical abuse.
Being forced or coerced into sexual activity you don't want or are not comfortable with.
Threats, name-calling, putting you down all the time, criticising what you wear or how you look.
Using your sexuality against you - threats to out, threats to tell Social Care, threats to tell your family or work you are gay or bisexual.
Using your disabilities or impairments against you - not giving you care that you need, witholding medication or giving you too much medication, hiding equipment you might need.
Making you feel as though you aren't functioning very well.
These are just a few examples. Any behaviour that you aren't comfortable with or that scares you can be abusive.
In the first instance, please access the general services available in Nottinghamshire to get emergency support, but you might also like to access the specialist domestic violence services for lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender people that are available nationally. For additional specialist support Broken Rainbow provide a telephone helpline service run by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
- Broken Rainbow:
0300 999 5428
Opening times:
Monday (2pm-8pm), Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Thursday (2pm-8pm)
Other useful numbers:
- Topaz Centre (Sexual Abuse and Violence): 0845 600 15 88
- Nottingham Rape Crisis: 0115 941 0440
- Broken Rainbow (Same Sex Abuse): 0845 260 44 60 / 0300 999 5428
- Victim Support (For Men and Women): 0845 30 30 900
- Childline: 0800 1111
Support in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire:
NHS The Health Shop (12 Broad Street, Nottingham, NG1 3AL) Provide support to LGBT people experiencing domestic violence/sexual assult and will advocate and support access to Domestic and Sexual Violence services within Nottingham. Tel no: 0115 9475414
The Health Shop
12 Broad Street
Hockley
Nottingham NG1 3AL
Opening hours- Mon- Tues 9 am-5pm
Weds- 2 pm- 7 pm
Thurs 9.30 am- 5 pm
Fri 9.30 am- 4.30 pm
15/04/2012 Nottinghamshire Domestic Violence Forum