Domestic Violence (DV) Affects Our Community.
We may want to think that it doesn’t happen here in the LGBT community, but it does happen – at the same rate as in heterosexual relationships – 25% to 33% of all relationships are affected by domestic violence.
No one deserves to be abused, humiliated, or degraded by a partner, lover, girlfriend, boyfriend or family member. If someone is threatening or hurting you, you have the right to be safe and hold your abuser accountable.
If you are a GLBT victim of domestic violence or know someone that may need help. Contact the Buckeye Regional Anti-Violence Organization.
TELEPHONE
Columbus, Ohio: 614 294 7867
Cincinnati, Ohio: 513 453 4001
Cleveland, Ohio: 216 370 7361
TOLL FREE
1 866 86 BRAVO (1 866 862 7286)
Domestic Violence Includes:
Verbal Abuse: Criticizing, blaming, threatening, degrading or belittling.
Emotional Abuse: Making you feel embarrassed in front of others, ignoring you or withholding affection, ridiculing, isolating you from others, or making false promises.
Financial Abuse: Controlling money, withholding child support, destroying property, running up debts or destroying credit.
Sexual Abuse: Forcing unwanted sex, making constant sexual demands, coercing sex in order to prevent a fight, or refusing to respect sexual boundaries.
Physical Abuse: Pushing, choking, kicking, burning, or locking in/out of the house.
If you are experiencing violence at home:
Know that you do NOT cause abuse to happen. Only your abuser is responsible for her/his actions.
You don’t have to be isolated. Develop a support network, tell close friends or family members whom you trust, or call BRAVO at 1 866 86 BRAVO (1 866 862 7286).
Document and report abusive incidents. Keep a log including the date, location, and what your abuser SAID and DID. Include witnesses, medical records, police reports, and pictures of injuries. Keep all documents in a safe place where your abuser will not have access to them.
Make Safety Plans to protect yourself at home, at work, and in your car. Remember that a protection order may help, but it is not fool proof.
Get information on domestic violence resources in your area and your legal rights and options.
