We know there’s a lot of sorrow in our communities at the moment and people are feeling distressed by recent events. Our hearts go out to all who loved Luke Davies and Jesse Baird and we share in the grief of their families and friends, and that is being felt across Australia.

ACON is here to support our communities. Across NSW, we provide counselling and support to LGBTQ+ adults who have experienced sexual, domestic and family violence.

Domestic violence can come in many forms and be experienced by anyone. It is important that we speak about the existence of sexual, domestic and family violence in all kinds of relationships involving LGBTQ+ people.

While there is growing awareness of the impact of violence in our communities, it is still often invisible. Our communities can face barriers recognising abuse in relationships and accessing affirming support services for help related to intimate partner violence.

We share in community anger and devastation about the impacts of sexual, domestic and family violence. Urgent change is needed to protect the safety of all people in Australia and to end the gendered violence which impacts all communities, including our own.

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

ACON’s Say It Out Loud website is a national online resource on sexual, domestic and family violence designed specifically for LGBTQ+ people. The website provides access to culturally appropriate and state-specific information and resources, and referral and support options.

If you believe that you or someone you know is currently experiencing abusive behaviours from a partner, or former partner, you can find out more on what steps you can take to get help and support from Say It Out Loud’s ‘Friends and Family Toolkit’ here.

Further information is also available from the Inner City Legal Centre’s Safe Relationships Project.

If someone is experiencing intimate partner and family violence, or supporting someone who is, there are 24/7 phone lines available that you can contact right now, including:

· Full Stop Australia’s Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline: 1800 497 212

· 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

QLife is also available on 1800 184 527 from 3pm to midnight every day.

ACON provides counselling and support to LGBTQ+ adults living within NSW who have experienced sexual, domestic and family violence. Support is also available to people experiencing distress or needing assistance. ACON’s services are available within office hours. For more information, contact your nearest ACON office or complete our online intake form here.

· ACON Sydney: 02 9206 2000

· ACON Hunter: 02 4962 7700

· ACON Northern Rivers: 02 6622 1555