SAYiT, has recently been funded, thanks to a bid to central government by the four South Yorkshire councils, to run a new innovative project aimed at improving access to domestic abuse services for LGBT+ people (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and other minority sexuality and/or genders) across South Yorkshire.

 Domestic abuse is defined as:

Currently LGBT+ victims and survivors are not accessing services at the same rates as others in the population.

The project will undertake consultation work with local LGBT+ people / community groups to understand what specific barriers exist for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse that result in them not accessing support services.  This consultation will especially seek to engage LGBT+ minority voices who may be affected by a multiple disadvantage (e.g. people who are younger or older, BAMER (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and/or Refugee), carers, disabled, different faith groups etc.)

These personal stories, combined with findings from academic research, will guide what work needs to take place. 

Some examples of work which may be undertaken through this project are:

• Training packages for professionals working in domestic abuse and other relevant agencies
• An awareness campaign run with / for LGBT+ people to improve identification of domestic abuse in LGBT+ relationships
• The development of a Kite mark which will be awarded to services, letting LGBT+ people know that a service is an LGBT+ inclusive

If you have had some experience of domestic abuse, and are LGBT+, 16+, and within South Yorkshire we would be very keen to hear from you – your experience is vital helping us understand what gaps and barriers exist in accessing services.  We are also looking for people who might want to join a project Advisory Group to help shape the project.

For further information or to get involved please contact Heather and Elly (LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Development Workers based at SAYiT) on 0114 241 2728 or email heather.paterson@sayit.org.uk