Center for Hope & Safety
LGBTQ+
Same-sex and queer relationships are not immune from domestic and sexual violence. A transgender individual may find themselves dating or married to an abusive partner. The Center for Hope & Safety provides support for any survivor of domestic or sexual violence. You do not have to identify as a woman to receive advocacy or be considered for our safe-house. We help transgender individuals and men as well.
We understand that LGBTQ survivors have additional barriers caused by homophobia and heterosexism in our society. Sometimes fear of those barriers may lead a survivor who is transgender or in a same-sex relationship to not seek help or try to leave the relationship. Many myths reflect these barriers that’s why we believe it’s important to keep these truths in mind!
MYTH: Abuse is not an issue for members of the LGBTQ community.
FACT: Abuse occurs in about 30% of same-sex relationships - the same rate as it does in straight relationships. Not only is it just as prevalent but just as dangerous as well.
MYTH: Women can’t be abusive.
FACT: 47% of lesbian women have experienced rape, physical violence or stalking within an intimate relationship.
MYTH: If there is physical violence in a same-sex relationship the issue is mutual abuse or fighting.
FACT: Abusers use violence to get what they want and it is always part of a pattern of controlling behavior.
MYTH: It’s easier for a survivor in a same-sex/queer relationship to leave an abuser.
FACT: It’s difficult for any survivor to leave an abusive relationship. Survivors in same-sex relationships/queer relationships face many of the same barriers that straight survivors do. They may also face additional barriers such as being outed by their abuser.
Learn more here: DV Packet for All Genders.
If you need immediate help you can call our hotline a 503-399-7722 to speak with the available advocate.
24-hour hotline 503-399-7722
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