Manchester police begin recording LGBT domestic abuse

The Greater Manchester police force (GMP) have started logging domestic abuse cases involving LGBT couples – becoming the first UK force to officially record figures for the queer community. In a year, they have logged 775 cases of domestic abuse, which accounts for 2 percent of the total abuse cases in the region.

Speaking to The Guardian, DS Sarah Harris said “I’m unsure exactly what other forces are doing; however, from a Greater Manchester point of view, I know we understand the community more, we’ve got better links to the community, and we can work with our partners to make sure we keep encouraging those links.

“We’ve shared our ideas nationwide and that includes all the different representatives who chair meetings like this. Hopefully, it’s being replicated across the country.”

Previously victims’ sexuality were only recorded if the crime was a hate crime. Joanne Simpson, the director of domestic abuse charity Independent Choices, praised GMP for taking the initiative to log an underrated issue.

“When you highlight a problem, it means you have to address it,” she said. “I think GMP have been revolutionary in highlighting the issue here. It’s a model that could be replicated across the country. I think if we don’t look for problems then we can pretend they’re not there – it’s easier for the state to ignore that there is an issue with LGBT domestic abuse.”

Simpson has also credited GMP with greater follow up to support systems. 70 percent of people involved in these cases have gone on to services like hers for help, a much higher figure than even she was expecting.

“I think if people offer services with the right intent and approach people in the right way,” she said, “and make people feel comfortable that the right support is there, then they will take up help.”

Tim Gibson

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