There’s No Pride in Domestic Abuse
Demonstrate your support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and show there is no
pride in domestic abuse by joining Sandwell’s ‘Pride Picnic in the Park’ event at Dartmouth Park on 11 June.
Bring a blanket, soft drinks and snacks for the Pride Picnic in the Park, which includes a ‘Walk with Pride. The walk will depart from Dartmouth Park at 11am and take in parts of Sandwell Valley.
The Pride Picnic in the Park at Dartmouth Park (from 11am-3pm) will include family-friendly entertainment, live music, and LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Questioning/Queer) information stands.
Visit the Shine A Light website for more information. Domestic abuse has no boundaries. It crosses all racial, ethnic, economic, and social lines, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
However, LGTBQ+ individuals may face several more complex issues arising from emotional and psychological abuse, which can have an effect on whether or not the individuals report it and seek help. These reasons include fear of coming out or exposure of their sexuality or gender history. Cultural and community acceptance varies from place to place for those individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, ranging from wide-spread acceptance to open discrimination, and abusers sometimes use the threat of exposure to control a victim.
There are many individuals who have not yet come out to friends, family, or at their workplace, and for someone who is in a domestic abuse relationship, they will often do all that they can to hide their situation in order to avoid it. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse and need support you can contact Black Country Women's Aid which provides a range of services and support to women and men experiencing domestic abuse from all communities, ethnicities and backgrounds.
Alternatively, Ask Marc – a service for men and boys who have experienced domestic abuse, rape and sexual abuse. Birmingham LGBT Centre can provide a range of support services for LGBTQ+ victims of abuse. You can also contact Sandwell Council’s Housing Solutions Team on 0121 368 1166, Option 2 for Housing Solutions or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Councillor Danny Millard, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “Domestic abuse can affect anyone. We believe that everyone should have the right to live without fear.
Sandwell Council works with a range of partners throughout the year to help those experiencing domestic abuse. “If domestic abuse is happening to you, it’s important that that you tell someone – you don’t have to wait for an emergency to find help.” More domestic abuse information is available online.