Charity raises awareness of abuse within LGBT+ relationships

The domestic abuse charity SAFE is to take part in the Exeter Pride festival next month for the first time.

Exeter Pride, on May 13th,  is the biggest free celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGTBT+) communities in Devon,  and is also an opportunity for support groups to promote their work.

SAFE, who are based in Exeter and work across Devon, will have a stand at the event to raise awareness that domestic abuse can and does happen in LGBT+ relationships, and that help is available for anyone affected by it.

Chief Executive Jacinta Wainwright said: “When people think about domestic abuse they tend to think about women being abused by men, and while that’s the commonest scenario, we know that it happens in all kinds of relationships.

“In fact, people in same-sex relationships, and the transgender community, can face particular types of abuse directed at them because of their sexuality and gender.

“People  in LGBT+ relationships have taken part in all SAFE’s support programmes, and benefited from them. But we’re concerned that many others are suffering in silence because they believe the support services are only for people in so-called conventional relationships, and not for them”.

“We’re going to be at Exeter Pride to get the message out there that anyone in any kind of relationship can contact us for help if they’re suffering physical or emotional abuse.”

Exeter Pride attracts thousands of people every year, many from outside the region. It begins with the popular rainbow flag parade through the city centre with drummers, roller skaters and many others in flamboyant fancy dress. The parade ends at the Exeter Phoenix where a huge number of stalls, activities and entertainments take place in the building and in the surrounding area, including Northernhay Gardens. The entertainment will go on on late into the night with a programme of live music headlined by the Devon soul star Joss Stone.

This 2017 event falls on the 50th anniversary year of the passing of the Sexual Offences Act and the beginning of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK. The organisers of Exeter Pride want to celebrate the city’s vibrant diversity, and also to show a message of hope, solidarity and support to International LGBT+ communities still facing oppression, imprisonment and often violence.

For further information and interviews please contact SAFE’s Chief Executive Jacinta Wainwright on 01392 269 543, mobile 0777 304 6430.