Broken Rainbow is the only UK-wide domestic violence service offering confidential support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people. In addition to our helpline (see number below) we work to raise awareness around the devastating impact domestic violence can have on victims’ lives, by providing training and support to generic domestic violence agencies and others.
Broken Rainbow is keen to build links with individuals and organisations throughout the UK, so get in touch if you think we can help you in any way.
Contact:
Website - www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
Administration - 08452 60 55 60
e-mail - mail@broken-rainbow.org.uk
HELPLINE: 08452 60 44 60
Opening times: Monday 2-8pm, Wednesday 10-1pm, Thursday 2-8pm
Domestic abuse affects around one in four LGBT people in the UK. It is not always physical; it can take many forms including emotional, financial and sexual abuse. It can include controlling a person’s contact with family and friends, withholding affection, isolation and verbal threats.
IN AN EMERGENCY: CALL 999
Sitting in the office this morning and discussing the published Hansard record of Iris Robinson MP last month when she spoke at the Northern Ireland Grand Committee. Iris Robinson is the MP for Strangford, a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly and chair of the Assembly’s health committee. This is what she said:
“There can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality and sodomy, than sexually abusing innocent children. There must be sufficient confidence that the community has the best possible protection against such perverts.”
I am totally fed up with religious bigots, who, because of their belief in a God, feel they have the right to pass judgement on me. They have this belief that their morality is somehow better than mine, that they feel they have the right to condemn me, and to say that what I practise in the privacy of my own home is immoral, vile and disgusting – all because they believe their God tells them so. And you can’t argue logically with them because God says it and therefore they are right!! Funny that. I have many gay friends who are Christians and who have no issues between their faith and their sexuality. At our celebration event earlier this month we were delighted to have the Reverend Richard Kirker, from the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement as one of our guests. http://www.lgcm.org.uk I don’t believe in the existence of God but I respect the right of other people to have their own faith. What I object to is their lack of respect for me and my beliefs. The suggestion that I am immoral is one that I find particularly offensive. To say that the love between two people of the same sex is more vile than child abuse must be the one of the most offensive things I have ever heard. I was a police officer for 11 years, I upheld the law without fear or favour and I was involved in the arrest detention and charge of many criminals including paedophiles. Funny thing though, I don’t ever recall being involved in the arrest of anybody for being gay…but then Mrs Robinson in all your hatred and bile, you forget one thing …it is not illegal to be gay in the UK or across Europe. Sadly it is still in 77 countries in the world, perhaps you would like to go and live in one of those Mrs Robinson, but then again some of those wouldn’t let you practise your religion there as you would be an apostate and it would be a criminal offence to preach about your God. You’ve got a choice. In the UK you have freedom of speech but that goes hand in hand with my freedoms too, and that includes the freedom to be gay. My morality is no less than yours Mrs Robinson just because I happen to be gay! The bigotry of Mrs Robinson is matched by many in the world. This week news emerged from Turkey of a killing of a young gay man because of his sexuality. http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-8437.html The young man is believed to have been killed by family members because he was gay and his boyfriend, a German national has had to leave the country fearing for his own life. The hatred that exists within some communities to those who are gay is saddening. Whether it is with DUP politicians in Northern Ireland or families in Turkey or preachers in fundamentalist religions, they all share one thing in common – a hatred of homosexuality. And let us not think that our country is immune. Our national lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans domestic violence helpline receives calls from young men and women who are at risk from honour killings or forced marriages because in the eyes of their families being a gay man or a lesbian is not an option. They either conform or be ostracised or even worse get murdered. Our wonderful staff and volunteers on the helpline listen to those in need of help, advice and support. It is not an easy task and is demanding in terms of personal commitment. They do a wonderful job. If you think you could help us in our work, then get in touch. See our website for all contact details. www.broken-rainbow.org.uk We need to fight this bigotry at all levels, to stand beside those who are subjected to such hate and violence. But we can only do this if we stand together, make an issue, campaign and challenge for our rights as citizens to live our lives peacefully without fear of violence, hatred or discrimination. I was born a citizen of the United Kingdom and I expect the same rights and respect as any other person in this country. The freedom to walk down the street holding hands with my boyfriend without fear of violence, the freedom to be myself… is that too much to ask?
Why should I be treated differently because I am gay and I happen to love another man.
