Web resource:	http://www.glhv.org.au/files/ComingForwardReport.pdf
Type:	Report
Title:	Coming forward : the underreporting of heterosexist violence and same sex partner abuse in VictoriaMonograph Series
Authors:	Mitchell, Anne Leonard, William Fox, Christopher Patel, Sunil
Keywords:	Gay/lesbian/transgender;Policing;Community attitudes;Criminal justice responses
Year:	2008
Publisher:	Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University
Citation:	Number 69
Notes:	General Overview: :This Australian report presents the findings of an online survey of 390 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people in Victoria, aged 14 to 65 years, regarding their experiences of heterosexist violence and same-sex partner abuse. The survey also asked about their experiences of reporting such abuse to the criminal justice system and to community and allied health organisations. Discussion: This research aims to provide accurate data regarding the nature and prevalence of heterosexist violence and same-sex partner abuse throughout Victoria and to highlight the barriers faced by GLBT people in seeking assistance in relation to such abuse from the police and mainstream health and community organisations. The report defines heterosexism as both 'a social system that privileges heterosexuality', as well as the social and psychological processes that underpin violence against gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender and transsexual people. In relation to heterosexist violence, findings include: everyday violence, in the form of harassment and vilification, comprises the bulk of heterosexist violence experienced by GLBT people. Seventy percent of respondents did not report the most recent experience of heterosexist violence to the police or a mainstream support organisation. The study found a majority of respondents, particularly young people, occasionally or often hide their sexual orientation in public and semi-public places to avoid heterosexist violence and harassment. The report's findings suggest that the incidence of abuse within same sex relationships is similar to that reported in heterosexual relationships. Respondents identified the following common barriers to reporting incidents of violence and abuse to mainstream criminal justice, health and community organisations: the fear of not being taken seriously or being outed; the perceived indifference of service providers; heterosexism and homophobia; and a lack of privacy and confidentiality in reporting. In conclusion, several recommendations are provided aimed at challenging heterosexism, increasing the rates at which GLBT people report incidences of abuse to mainstream services, and assisting mainstream organisations to develop GLBT protocols. The survey administered is attached in full in an appendix to the report.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/19007
ISBN:	9781921377525
Physical description:	91 p.
Appears in Collections:	Reports

Items in ANROWS library are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.