Shelter/Housing Needs for GLBT Victims of Domestic Violence

Victims of domestic violence are often in a pretty bad way by the time you come to know them. Surprisingly one out of every four LGBT persons are battered by their partner. Here is a good definition from The Network La Red a Boston, Massachusetts based organization that advocates for victims of abuse:

What is abuse?

Abuse is a pattern of behavior where one person tries to control the thoughts, beliefs or actions of a partner, friend or any other person close to them. It can include physical, emotional, sexual and/or economic abuse. While some folks who are abused fight back, abuse is never mutual. Domestic abuse happens in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and straight communities and crosses all social, ethnic, racial, and economic lines. An individual’s size, strength, politics, gender presentation, or personality does not determine whether s/he can be abused or an abuser.

Sadly, in a report from October 27, 2005 by the GLBT Domestic Violence Coalition and Jane Doe, Inc., found that 57% of GLBT Domestic Violence victims become homeless(you can download a copy of that report from this link HERE).

If you happen to find yourself in that situation or know of someone who is the one thing keeping them in an abusive relationship maybe not knowing they can go someplace safe and not have to live on the street.

The Network La Red is a place to turn in those situations. You can reach them at The Network/La Red Hotline, 617-423-SAFE (7233) v 617-338-7233 TTY, and speak with a staff member or a trained peer volunteer, You can also go to their web site for help by clicking to The Network La Red HERE.