Safe Browsing
New platform seeks to empower queer people experiencing domestic abuse
UK SAYS NO MORE partner Chayn have launched The Supernova Project – an open platform which seeks to provide information and support to LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual) people experiencing domestic abuse.
The platform hosts content created by and for the LGBTQIA+ community and well versed allies. The Supernova Project is an immensely welcome piece of work, as the creators explain:
We realized that almost every domestic violence platform around the world supports heterosexual women in female-to-male relationships, where men are often seen as the primary perpetrators of abuse.
For queer people, this isn’t always the case. The abuse we may face, whether it’s at the hand of our partners or our families, looks very different. Men can be, but are not always, the perpetrator and of course not all of us even identify as a binary gender!
On The Supernova Project website, you can access a information covering what domestic abuse looks like for those in same-sex male and female relationships, as a trans woman, and as a trans man.
Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, race, religion, class, disability or ethnicity. Abuse can also look very different for different people, and so we wholeheartedly welcome The Supernova Project’s aim of making this information widely accessible for those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We want to empower queer people around the world who are experiencing domestic abuse by providing a queer friendly platform of information and support.” – The Supernova Project.
Galop, who run the National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline, highlight:
“Reports suggest the prevalence of intimate partnership abuse is similar between same-sex and opposite sex couples, occurring in approximately 25% to 38% of relationships (Donovan et. al, 2014)
Transgender individuals may be at even higher risk than their cisgender LGB peers as research published by the Scottish Transgender Alliance (Roch et. al, 2010) demonstrates up to 80% of trans participants had experienced domestic abuse from a partner.”
As a trans person, for example, you could experience transphobia, biphobia and homophobia – whereby the perpetrator seeks to shame you or try to stop you from coming out as transgender. They may threaten to ‘out you’ to your friends/family/the wider community. Perpetrators may also:
- Try to control the way you dress
- Repeatedly refuse to use your preferred pronouns
- Intentionally try to trigger gender dysphoria, to make you feel uncomfortable
- Prevent access to healthcare
- Force you into sexual activities
- Isolate you
Check out the Supernova Project’s information at supernovaproject.org including support around mental health as well as locating support services around the globe for queer communities.
How you can help:
1.The project is a voluntary and community led initiative, and is always seeking volunteers who are passionate about the queer community and building a safe space to talk about domestic violence in these relationships.
2. You can also share your story as an LGBTQIA+ person who has experienced domestic abuse, which The Supernova Project hopes will support others to recognise potential abuse in their own relationship.
3. The project also welcomes feedback on their content at any time, so don’t hesitate to get in touch!
More about Chayn:
Chayn is a global, volunteer-run charity that leverages technology to empower women against violence through open source need-specific toolkits, web platforms, hackathons and workshops. Chayn aims to empower women and girls who face not only domestic violence, but all other forms of gender oppression that exist regardless of location, religion, or politics.
Read more about Chayn and some of their previous projects including the DIY Online Safety Guide.
LGBTQ+ Support:
You can call the National LGBT Domestic Abuse helpline at 0800 999 5428.
Opening Times:
Monday 10am – 8pm
Tuesday 10am – 5pm (1pm – 5pm Tuesday is trans specific service).
Wednesday 10am – 5pm
Thursday 10am – 8pm
Friday 1pm – 5pm
Saturday webchat 3 – 7pm
Sunday phoneline 12 – 4pm, webchat 3 – 7pm
Join the UK SAYS NO MORE Gallery
We can all work to end the silence, stigma and lack of awareness which sadly often surrounds domestic violence and sexual assault. Take the pledge today to say NO MORE and add your photo and comment to the UK SAYS NO MORE Gallery.
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