______________________________________________________________ Understanding Domestic Violence
To counteract these things, I will prepare by doing the following: • _____________________________ • _____________________________ • _____________________________ • _____________________________ STEP 3: AFTER YOU LEAVE Stay vigilant. After you leave an abuser, or after an abuser is forced to leave your home, you’ll want to take safety precau- tions to keep yourself and your family safe. This should include considering an order of protection, alerting your place of employment and your children’s school what is going on and giving them a photo of the abuser so they can alert you if he or she comes around, using a different route to get to and from work or school, changing your schedule, taking a break from social media so the abuser is less likely to track or harass you, and changing your phone number and making it unlisted. After I leave, I will do the following actions to help keep myself safe:
instance, a survivor attempting to access women’s domestic vio- lence shelters may encounter exclusionary policies, even if they identify as women (American Psychiatric Association, 2019). Providers can take proactive steps to support LGBTQ+ sur- vivors by researching available resources and reaching out to LGBTQ+-focused networks and coalitions like the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Projects or the NW Network. This enables them to understand regional rights and regulations regarding shelter access and antidiscrimination protections. However, it’s essential to prioritize survivor agency and respect their expertise in navigating their own experiences and needs (American Psychiatric Association, 2019). Connecting Survivors to Community Support LGBTQ+-identified survivors may seek connections with agen- cies and organizations specializing in LGBTQ+ communities. Therefore, it’s crucial for providers to acquaint themselves with the resources offered by their institutions and within their local communities for LGBTQ+ IPV victims. However, survivors may not always prefer direct engagement with these agencies. Providers should ensure that presenting LGBTQ+- specific organizations as an option is framed as a choice, not a mandatory aspect of treatment. Many LGBTQ+ survivors find solace and validation in connect- ing with networks of individuals who share similar identities, whether online or in person. Providers should address poten- tial safety concerns related to technology use with survivors seeking support through online platforms. Further guidance on technology-related abuse and safety measures can be obtained from national organizations dedicated to preventing domestic violence, such as the National Network to End Domestic Vio- lence (American Psychiatric Association, 2019).
• _____________________________ • _____________________________ • _____________________________ • _____________________________
SAFETY PLANNING FOR LGBTQ+ IDENTIFIED SURVIVORS Safety planning for LGBTQ+-identified survivors of IPV shares many commonalities with safety planning for cisgender and heterosexual survivors. This includes assisting survivors in gathering essential documents, identifying safe areas within the home for potential escape, addressing technological safety, and preparing a “go-bag” for quick departure if necessary (American Psychiatric Association, 2019). Survivors with disabilities may require specific medications or devices, while TGNC survivors may need items like hormones, prosthetics, or clothing in specialized sizes. Efforts should be made to help survivors store these items safely or to develop strategies for obtaining them if leaving the abusive partner becomes necessary. Considering the ongoing violence against LGBTQ+ communi- ties, particularly TGNC communities of color, it’s crucial to discuss with survivors where they would feel safe seeking refuge if they cannot return home. It cannot be assumed that traditional avenues like law enforce- ment or hospitals will automatically provide a sense of safety for LGBTQ+ survivors of IPV. The survivor may choose to avoid involvement with law enforcement as a means of self- protection, especially if their abusive partner is also LGB- or TGNC-identified. Additionally, the legal landscape regarding LGBTQ+ rights and protections varies widely across regions, which may result in barriers to accessing certain services. For
Self-Assessment Question
7. How do abusers in the LGBTQ+ community often exploit societal norms, according to the text? A) By challenging prevailing norms B) By advocating for LGBTQ+ rights C) By utilizing homophobic and transphobic societal norms to maintain control D) By promoting equality and inclusivity SCREENING PROCEDURES FOR VICTIMS AND PERPETRATORS, AND PROTOCOLS FOR ADDRESSING ABUSE It’s imperative to recognize the significant role that healthcare professionals can play in increasing awareness of this issue and participating in initiatives aimed at preventing and supporting patients affected by IPV. At the core of these endeavors lies the value of amplifying the patient’s perspective.
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