UK Opens First Dedicated Refuge for LGBTQ+ Survivors of Domestic Abuse
December 5, 2023The UK has opened its first dedicated refuge for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse in London, thanks to a new partnership between Outside Project and Star Support, commissioned by the Mayor’s Office and funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
“Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that can affect anyone. Having a safe place of refuge to escape from abuse, together with specialist support services, can make a huge difference for the safety and wellbeing of victims and survivors. I’m delighted that we have been able to help Outside Project and Star Support to deliver a dedicated refuge and community support for LGBTQ+ Londoners, as we build a safer London for all,” stated Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor for London.
As well as the refuge service, the funding will provide community-based support at The Outside Project LGBTIQ+ community centre. The refuge service, led by Star Support, comes at a time when LGBTQ+ identities are under attack. Up to this point, there have been no permanent by-and-for refuges for LGBTQ+ survivors, according to the charity.
In fact, a recent study from Galop, the LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity, found that LGBTQ+ survivors often do not seek support from services or receive informal support from family and friends, following domestic abuse. Its studies have also shown that:
- More than half of all LGBTQ+ respondents reported having experienced over 20 incidents of domestic abuse.
- The most common perpetrators of abuse against LGBTQ+ survivors were parents – mothers (45%) and fathers (41%).
- 80% of trans people had experienced domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner.
- One in four lesbian and bi women have experienced domestic abuse in a relationship.
In addition to the above, it has been well established that LGBTQ+ people face high rates of homelessness. Stonewall has found that almost one in five LGBTQ+ people (18%) have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, compared with one in ten (7.7%) within the general population. With higher rates of homelessness and significant rates of domestic abuse, it is clear that accommodation for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse is needed now, more than ever.
Another Galop survey (2022) found the majority of LGBTQ+ survivors reported that they ‘were more likely to feel comfortable accessing an LGBTQ+ specialist domestic abuse service, and more likely to feel uncomfortable accessing a mainstream victim support service’. Despite the best intentions, “mainstream services lack the knowledge, skills and experiences to cater for the needs of minoritized communities,” according to Star Support. “It's therefore essential that domestic abuse services are designed by the communities they intend to serve. This ensures specialist understanding and awareness of the nuances and needs of the community, resulting in safe and effective interventions where people are accepted, without exception.”
“As a survivor, developing Star Refuge from a COVID emergency response into a permanent, independent organization is the achievement of my lifetime. This wouldn’t have been possible without Maari Nastari leading the project to create Star Support, and every person who joined the MAKE SPACE FOR HOMELESS QUEERS campaign from April 2020 onwards. Thank you all so much,” stated Carla Ecola, Managing Director of The Outside Project.
Maari Nastari, CEO of Star Support added: “Star Support is proud to continue the legacy of supporting survivors of domestic abuse, continuing the work started by The Outside Project. For too long, LGBTQ+ survivors have been underserved by mainstream services. I am proud to lead this new organisation, which will centre the voices of LGBTQ+ survivors. We are grateful for the support from MOPAC and funding from DLUHC to assist us in creating this new service run by the LGBTQ+ community, for the LGBTQ+ community.”
If you would like to support this charity, visit the fundraising page here.
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