Police Scotland launches new advert highlighting domestic abuse in LGBTQI+ relationships

Police Scotland has launched a new advert as part of their domestic abuse campaign highlighting domestic abuse in LGBTQI+ relationships.

The ‘Couples Questions’ campaign provides insight into what domestic abuse can look like and encourages those who are displaying abusive behaviours to contact the organisation Respect for advice on changing their behaviour.

Detective Superintendent Adam Brown, from the Police Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Unit explains: “Domestic abuse continues to be a problem within our society. It is a crime that remains hidden behind closed doors, but we are committed to tackling it.

“Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence: it includes verbal, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as coercive control and stalking.

“The psychological harm that domestic abuse inflicts can be life-long.

“Victims often don’t realise what they are experiencing is domestic abuse and if, or when, they do, there can be a reluctance to report incidents to the police.

“Underreporting is an issue within the LGBTQI+ community and we want to build trust and confidence that every report of domestic abuse will be treated sensitively and investigated thoroughly.

“We’ve developed this new advert in partnership with LGBTQI+ support groups. It is a first step in highlighting domestic abuse within LGBTQI+ relationships, to not only change abusers’ behaviour but also encourage those at risk of harm to report incidents to the police.

“Domestic abuse is a crime and our aim is to prevent abuse, reduce offending and ensure that all perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.

“If you are worried you are in an abusive relationship, or that someone you know is, tell someone so that you can get help and support.

“If you are not ready or not comfortable speaking to police there are a number of support organisations you can talk to. They can give practical and emotional support which will help you to end an abusive relationship.

“If, and when, you are ready to report your experience to police, you can contact us either online, by calling 101, visiting a police station or by calling 999 in an emergency.”

Janice Stevenson, who leads delivery of LGBT Youth Scotland’s domestic abuse focused work said: “Domestic abuse doesn’t discriminate. It happens in all kinds of relationships, in every community across Scotland, including the LGBTQ+ community. Although as many as one-in-three LGBTQ+ people experience domestic abuse in Scotland, many don’t recognise their experiences as such, particularly if there is an absence of physical violence.

“The new campaign video from Police Scotland highlights some of the more coercive and controlling aspects of domestic abuse in a same-sex relationship, and I hope the campaign not only encourages those who perpetrate abuse within LGBTQ+ relationships to seek support to address their behaviour but also encourages those who experience domestic abuse to seek support or report to police.”

Jo Todd CBE, CEO, Respect, said: "We know that domestic abuse happens across all parts of society and in all different types of relationships. Respect is delighted to be part of Police Scotland’s new campaign that raises awareness of abusive and controlling behaviour. To tackle domestic abuse, we need to address the root cause and ensure that perpetrators are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change where appropriate. Anyone who is concerned about their behaviour can call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 8024040, or visit www.respectphoneline.org.uk/choosetostop."

• The campaign advert can be viewed here.
  
  
• The heterosexual version of the advert, which was launched in December, can be viewed here.
  
  
• The video will feature as part of a six-week digital advertising campaign and will run across a number of channels including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and SnapChat.
  
  
• To read more about the domestic abuse campaign see our campaign description page
  and our December press release

Domestic Abuse

• Domestic abuse is ‘any form of physical, verbal, sexual, psychological or financial abuse which might amount to criminal conduct and which takes place within the context of a relationship. The relationship will be between partners (married, cohabiting, civil partnership or otherwise) or ex-partners. The abuse may be committed in the home or elsewhere, including online.
  
  
• Domestic abuse within a LGBTQI+ relationship can include threatening to reveal your sexuality or gender identity to others if they are not already aware. Or undermine your sexual orientation or gender identity as part of a pattern of emotional abuse.
  
  
• Respect offers support to people across the UK who are concerned about their harmful or abusive behaviour. Their expert advisors will listen, talk through a person’s situation and help them develop strategies to change that can help them and their loved ones. Their support services are for all regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation and they have specific advice pages for the LGBTQI+ community. See https://respectphoneline.org.uk/resources/resources-for-perpetrators/