Standing Strong: A Lesbian Survivor’s Plea for Inclusive Domestic Abuse Support

In the heart of England, a survivor of domestic abuse, Sarah Thompson*, bravely steps forward to share her story, shedding light on the critical need for inclusive support services provided by LGBTQ+ groups and practitioners. As a lesbian woman, Sarah’s journey as a survivor has been marked by resilience, courage, and a fierce determination to advocate for change.

Sarah’s experience with domestic abuse began in a relationship that she believed was built on love and trust, but soon changed and the relationship turned toxic, with emotional manipulation and controlling behavior becoming the norm. As a lesbian, Sarah faced additional challenges, including fears of being outed, concerns  about negative attitudes around her sexuality, and a lack of understanding from mainstream support services.

“When I finally found the strength to seek help, I felt lost and alone,” Sarah recalls. “The thought of reaching out to mainstream services filled me with anxiety, knowing that they might not understand my identity or my experiences as a lesbian survivor.”

It was through the support of LGBTQ+ organizations and practitioners that Sarah found the courage , support and learning to break out of these toxic cycles of abuse.  “From the moment I walked through the doors of the LGBTQ+ support group, I felt a sense of belonging and acceptance,” Sarah shares. “For the first time, I was able to speak openly about my experiences as a lesbian survivor, knowing that I was surrounded by people who understood and supported me.”

For Sarah, accessing inclusive support services was a transformative experience that allowed her to reclaim her power and her identity. “The LGBTQ+ advocates and practitioners who stood by me provided not only emotional support but also practical assistance, helping me navigate the complexities of leaving an abusive relationship and rebuilding my life,” she says.

Sarah’s story underscores the importance of inclusive support services provided by LGBTQ+ groups and practitioners. “For survivors like me, having access to support services that are affirming and understanding of our identities is crucial,” Sarah emphasizes. “It’s about feeling safe, seen, and respected as we navigate the journey towards healing and recovery.”

In England and beyond, there is an urgent need for dedicated domestic abuse support services that center the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, including lesbian survivors. As Sarah bravely shares her story, she urges policymakers, funders, and service providers to prioritize the voices and needs of LGBTQ+ survivors, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against domestic abuse and that services are by the community, for the community, with members of the LGBTQ+ community as practitioners.

Sarah’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that, together, we can create a world where all survivors are supported, empowered, and able to live free from fear and violence.

*Name changed for privacy reasons.