Swindon-based charity Society Without Abuse (SWA) is encouraging the LGBT+ community to seek support if they or someone they know may be experiencing domestic abuse.
The call comes as the town gears up for the weekend's annual Pride event.
According to SWA, many people are either unaware that the behaviours they are experiencing are abusive or are reluctant to seek help.
Kate Rowland, CEO of SWA, explained: “Domestic abuse can happen to anyone in any relationship no matter how they identify, their age or their background.
“In same-sex relationships the abuse can often be multi-faceted due to community and identity issues, and it’s known that victims are less likely to report their experiences or seek help, with 61 percent of people who acknowledge they have been victims saying that they did not seek professional support to recover.
"As a result, LGBT+ victims are more likely to self-harm or commit suicide.
“However, it’s important to know that there is expert support available to people of all genders and backgrounds in Swindon who are experiencing domestic abuse.
"Swindon is also home to our innovative behaviour change programme that works with people who use harmful behaviour and they can come directly to us to seek support to change.”
The Open2Change programme is a one-to-one programme suitable for all genders as well as for those in mixed-sex and same-sex relationships.
SWA will be present at this weekend’s Swindon Pride, raising awareness of the services and recovery programmes that the charity provides. To find out more about SWA, visit www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk/
People needing advice for themselves or a friend relating to Domestic Abuse can call Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.
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