Abigail passed a motion today in recognition of LBGTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day and the need for greater victim-survivor support.
(1) That this House notes that Saturday 28 May was LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day, a day that raises awareness for the need for increased support for LGBTQ victim-survivors of domestic violence and abuse, and the need for whole of society coordination to break down barriers to accessing help.
(2) That this House notes that according to the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation:
(a) more than 50 per cent of LGBTQ people will experience domestic, family and intimate partner violence and abuse in their lifetime;
(b) LGBTQ victim-survivors remain largely invisible with incredibly low levels of reporting because of a range of reasons including fear of the police system, lack of accessible and affordable support systems, prejudice and social stigmas and a lack of support services that meet their specific needs; and
(c) a coordinated whole of society approach is needed to ensure victims and victim-survivors are seen, believed, supported and given hope, regardless of what their sexuality or gender identity is.
(3) That this House calls on the Government to support better outcomes for LGBTQ victims and victim-survivors, to break barriers to reporting abuse and accessing supports, and to work toward ending domestic violence for all people regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, through targeted awareness campaigns, education programs and increased funding for frontline support.
See the full transcript in Hansard here.