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| GLCC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline
954-226-2279
Purpose and Unmet Needs
The purpose of a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) Domestic Violence / Crisis Hotline (DVCH) is to STOP THE ABUSE. A tall order? Yes! Impossible? No! The abuse GLBT individuals face is no different then “straight” women seeking respite in a shelter for battered women. However, there is a significant difference in the care they receive. GLBT individuals are human beings and deserve to be SAFE! This program will empower the victim to overcome abuse, fight back by becoming a SURVIVOR rather than a victim, connecting with services that are available regardless of sex, sexual orientation and gender.
Broward County has the highest number of same-sex couples in all of Florida. However, until the GLCC began offering services and participating with the Gay Domestic Violence Coalition (GDVC), there were no GLBT specific domestic violence programs or shelters in Broward County. “All local lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community agencies and traditional domestic violence service providers should collaborate to develop and implement services for victims and perpetrators of battering. It may be that such services could be integrated into pre-existing programs or that new services need to be created” said Toni Broaddus, co-author of the 2005 NCAVP report. This report documented the “increasing number of cases of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Domestic Violence”.
The GDVC was born from this philosophy and currently meets at the GLCC. The Coalition has established linkages with area organizations that provide domestic violence support and services and educating staff of agencies with traditional domestic violence programs to the needs of the GLBT community. Through GDVC at the GLCC, clients benefit from linkage to programs at Women in Distress – related opportunities exist to establish residential shelter for gay men who face intimate partner abuse; Broward House – offering clients emergency respite; Legal Aid – offering clients assistance with separation from the abuser, civil and immigration matters; SunServe Counseling Services; North and South Broward Hospital District Emergency Rooms and local police departments – specifically Broward Sheriff’s Office and Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
This program has three main components to achieve its purpose – AWARENESS, REFERRALS AND TRAINING. When we speak of awareness, we are not only speaking of awareness of GLBT intimate partner abuse, the issue and the scope of the problem in the community but also awareness of the services available to victims facing abuse. Marketing a 24/7 GLBT DVCH that assist clients with referrals and intervention with a culturally sensitive competency is step one. Letting the client know – they are not alone, the GLCC is here to help, provide support and services on a comfort level that addresses their special needs as GLBT victims.
The way we reach our goal of connecting the victim to services is through referrals. Referrals happen in several ways: cyber outreach links victims via the Internet through anonymous chats, emails and messaging directly to services available to meet their needs. Clients call the Crisis Hotline and speak with a “live” agent who can listen to their story, assess their needs and provide education, information and referrals. Clients are in crisis, they feel isolated; they feel like they have nowhere to turn; they feel like no one understands or cares about them. The Crisis Hotline offers them the opportunity to learn that – we care, there are many agencies working everyday to strengthen their skills in serving the GLBT community and specifically domestic violence victims.
This program provides first responders – specifically emergency room staff and police departments with the training tools needed to provide specialized service to the GLBT community. GLBT domestic violence victims benefit from first responders receiving training that addresses the differences and similarities between a GLBT and a “straight” domestic violence victim. The program has set a realistic goal of distributing training material to the Human Resource departments of first responders. With 100 training packets, over 4,000 staff members in Broward County will be better equipped to serve the unique needs of the GLBT.
There is no shame in being a victim of domestic violence. This program conveys a solid message to the public, clients, staff, volunteers and first responders that an individual who has been a victim of intimate partner abuse/violence has rights and options – it is not their fault and they should not feel ashamed. That is not often the case, many gay men especially stay with the abuser or keep their experience “in the closet” because of the stereotypes associated with men who are abused. This program will help the victim break free with pride and confidence.
Client/participant benefits:
Clients benefit from this program by learning ways to articulate their needs to first responders, by learning options available to them, by receiving links to services resulting in changed behavior or situations to ultimately stop the abuse or violence they may experience. Clients learn how to become survivors instead of victims and not to blame themselves for the abuse. They benefit from the support of caring trained professionals who can provide service and answer questions about emergency medical care and treatment; needs for police support; legal matters such as civil suits and immigration issues; emergency housing needs; and mental health support services; individuals threatening suicide; HIV/STD and substance abuse prevention information/support; coming out support, which in youth often results in homelessness.
The GLCC is in a unique position to provide a professional, informative 24/7 hotline service; mass marketing campaign with hotline awareness and culturally sensitive messages; victims support services; training material and increased sensitivity among first responders when serving GLBT domestic violence situations and victims.
A victim having no place to turn for help, sees an advertisement for the DVCH, places a call, reaches a caring agent, tells their story, articulates their needs, learns information vital to receiving appropriate care, encounters trained sensitive first responders, attends support groups and transforms from Victim- to-Survivor, ultimately bettering their situation and ending the abuse!
Domestic Violence Survey Link:
