Domestic and family violence (DFV) can happen to anyone. Research shows that as many as 1 in 3 people in LGBTQIA+ communities have experienced DFV, either in their current or previous relationship.
DFV happens when one person in a relevant relationship uses violence or abuse to maintain power and control over the other person. This can include current or previous intimate or romantic relationships, family member, or informal care relationships. In Queensland, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act (2012) includes laws that help protect people from DFV.
DFV is not always physical. It can involve sexual, financial, social, spiritual, verbal, psychological or technology-based forms of abuse. Learn more about examples of healthy or harmful behaviours in relationships.
Coercive control almost always underpins domestic and family violence. This looks like someone trying to control you using a deliberate and intentional pattern of abusive behaviours over time to hurt, humiliate, isolate, frighten or threaten you in order to control or coerce you.
People in LGBTQIA+ communities might experience unique forms of abuse or additional barriers to reporting violence and seeking help. This can look like a pattern of harmful or abusive behaviours, including:
DFV is never your fault. It is the responsibility of the person using violence to change their behaviour. No one deserves to be abused, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
If you are using violence, or at risk of using violence, in your relationships – find information and support to change your behaviour.
Community education resources are available to build awareness and understanding of the nature and impacts of coercive control and DFV.
These resources have been co-designed with community groups to provide tailored and relevant information for LGBTQIA+ communities.
Visit the coercive control resources page to download fact sheets, social media tiles and a range of print and video resources to share with your friends, family and community members.
The following video series highlights the unique experiences of victim-survivors affected by DFV and coercive control.