Videos – Strengthening LGBTQ+ community responses to disclosures of sexual violence
Video Resources Background:
LGBTQ+ community members of all genders and sexualities can and do experience sexual violence. We know that there’s a lot of community members who have had these kinds of experiences. LGBTQ+ people are a lot less likely to seek help from formal support services after an experience, and are more likely to tell their friends, partners, family and other loved ones about what happened to them.
These video resources were developed to meet a need and community interest in how to compassionately respond to disclosures of sexual violence, and how to best support loved ones. The videos have been created for anyone who is interested in learning more about how to support LGBTQ+ people who disclose to you. Engaging in these videos can help people to learn skills that can really benefit people who disclose sexual violence, especially people who are disclosing for the first time. A caring, compassionate and affirming response can really set a person on a pathway to holistic healing and recovery.
Responding to disclosures of sexual violence
These video resources have been developed in consultation with community, for community, to help upskill people in how to respond to disclosures of sexual violence in compassionate and person-centred ways. We encourage you to reflect on these resources by considering what you might do if someone discloses to you.
Why someone might disclose to you
If an LGBTQ+ person discloses their experience with sexual violence to you, that’s a sign that they trust you. Or they may not feel like they can trust anyone else. There are many ways you can help. You can learn more below.
Helping a friend who has experienced sexual violence
If someone discloses to you about experiencing sexual violence, it’s important to know how to respond. Learn some tips below.
The impact of racism and colonisation on access to supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Brotherboys, Sistergirls, trans and queer mob often face greater barriers when seeking support after an experience of sexual violence. Learn more about the impacts of colonisation and racism for survivors, and about supporting wellbeing below.
Addressing structural barriers for survivors of sexual violence
Different structural barriers make it difficult for LGBTQ+ people to seek support after experiencing sexual violence. These limit their access to justice, healthcare and support. Watch below to learn what you can do to make a difference.
Supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence in a stigmatised context
Some contexts in which LGBTQ+ people experience sexual violence can carry more stigma. Challenging myths and shame supports people to be safe to share their experiences. Learn how to help below.
How to talk to a friend who uses violence
If you see your friend using violent behaviour, there are ways to speak up safely. Not sure what signs to look for? Have a watch of the below.
Self-care/self-support after helping a friend
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when helping someone through an experience of sexual violence. Looking after yourself means you can support them more effectively. Check out the video below for some tips on recovery.
Want to learn more about LGBTQ+ people and sexual violence?
Check out our LGBTQ+ sexual violence report here and our LGBTQ+ sexual violence prevention and response toolkit here.
Want to operationalise some of the things you’ve learned in these videos?
Register your interest in ACON’s Strengthening LGBTQ+ community responses to disclosure of sexual violence here.
Need help?
Visit our getting help page here.
Acknowledgements
This resource was developed by ACON and supported by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
ACON would like to thank Chris and Susie from Knuckles Animation Studio for your hard work bringing these resources to life. Thank you to all of the talents for your work and support, and thank you to the victim-survivors whose quotes were used from ACON’s sexual violence research linked above. Thank you to Jane Yettica, members of ACON’s Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Advisory Group, and ACON staff external from the project team who provided meaningful contributions to this project.
ACON acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we work across NSW. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and communities in developing strengths-based community-driven approaches to addressing structural disadvantage and violence. We learn from and strive to amplify this work.