We provide programs for those of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
and Transgendered orientation to help bridge the differences based on sexuality.
The Center for Nonviolence has a long-standing commitment
to serving the unique needs of the sexual minority community. Our LGBT
anti-violence work includes involvement in educational efforts regarding crimes
of violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people.
Unfortunately, sexual orientation is not a factor that
exempts anyone from the threat of domestic violence. The Center has worked for
nearly a decade with both individual victims and batterers who identify as
lesbian and gay. The Center is among the very few organizations nationwide that
have incorporated healing work with LGBT batterers, and the Center continues to
plan very specifically for the growth of our LGBT anti-violence and outreach
efforts. [top]
It is estimated that 1/3 of lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgendered relationships experience domestic violence.
There are more places for homeless cats and dogs to spend the night than
for LGBT victims of domestic violence. Physical and emotional
violence is not unusual in any relationship, and LGBT relationships are
no exception. Living with abuse is crazy-making, and causes
depression and risk of violent response. There is no shame in
admitting your relationship is unhealthy, or that you need help.
[top]
Whether you have been dating for a week or together
for 10 years, if your partner is always checking on you, checking the
calls on your sell phone, gets mad when you hand out with your friends,
takes your money, forces you to have sex, hits, slaps, kicks or bites
you, threatens your children, family or pets .... no matter how many
times they say "I'm sorry" .... remember, you are not to
blame. You deserve to be happy, and the happiness you seek is
within your reach. There is no excuse for abuse. Talk to a
trusted friend, remember you have the right to be treated with respect,
and call the police if you need to. The Center for Nonviolence can
help you sort it out. [top]
Support counseling/referrals - to help you figure
out
what to do in the short or long term
Safety planning - whether you leave your partner or
not, BE SAFE
Advocacy
- with police and courts, if you need it
A safe
place to talk, and to meet with others [top]
It is time to take responsibility for your
actions. Recognize you are committing a crime. Call the
Center for Nonviolence for referrals to groups or counselors who are
trained in domestic violence and LGBT issues. [top]
If you would like to be part of our efforts to:
Improve understanding of Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and
Transgendered (LGBT) people in the larger community
Reduce risk of violence to LGBT
citizens
Support victims of LGBT Domestic
violence
Help LGBT perpetrators of domestic
violence replace
destructive behaviors with constructive, healthy behaviors
Learn how your own patterns of
interpersonal violence can
lead to
horizontal hostility and minimize the effectiveness
of LGBT
community-building
Please call to join the Center for
Nonviolence LGBT Nonviolence / Healthy Partners Project. [260]
456-4112 [top]
center for nonviolence
