WRISC offers safe support for LGBTIQ victims of family violence

WRISC Family Violence Support hosted a morning tea on Monday to recognise and recommend WRISC as a safe, respectful and welcoming service for LGBTIQ people.

WRISC Family Violence Support executive officer Libby Jewson said it was important members of the Ballarat community were aware WRISC welcomed and provided support for all women.

"We know in the past and ongoing it is difficult for LGBTIQ people to be able to access mainstream services," she said.

"We also know family violence happens within the LGBTIQ community and we want to be able to provide a safe and welcoming service for that community."

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WRISC staff have received specialised training as part of the process to become a Rainbow Tick accredited organisation.

WRISC business manger Anita Koelle said the training helped staff understand family violence in the LGBTIQ community could be under-reported because of a greater element of shame and the nature of violence could be different to heterosexual relationships.

"It is really important that people know they can get and do deserve help, because all people should have a safe and respectful relationship," she said.

Ms Koelle and Ms Jewson said there had been a gap in knowledge in the past in family violence support for the LGBTIQ community and people knowing they can access appropriate help and support.

"This accreditation broadens the conversation and the understanding that family violence happens in all areas, not just heterosexual relationships," Ms Jewson said.

"Often marginalised groups don't even know where to start in terms of addressing or working through the family violence happening within their relationship. This opens up more understanding and more ability to be able to respond appropriately.

"We are proud that we are working hard to address that need."

Staff from other agencies and members of the public also attended the WRISC morning tea on Monday.

Ballarat Community Health is a Rainbow Tick accredited organisation and Child and Family Services Ballarat has also worked to become accredited.

READ MORE: Ballarat Community Health to offer inclusive services for gender diverse community

Organisations must meet six Rainbow Tick standards for accreditation: organisational capability, workforce development, consumer participation, a welcoming and accessible organisation, disclosure and documentation and culturally safe and acceptable services.

Research in Australia and globally demonstrates that LGBTIQ people have poorer health outcomes than the general population because of the discrimination they experience.

LGBTIQ people are less likely to seek support due to a lack of appropriate crisis accommodation, few perpetrator referral options, distrust of police and other services, and legal and practical discrimination

Australian Institute of Family Studies shows people who identify LGBTIQ experience intimate partner violence at similar rates as those who identify as heterosexual.

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