Switchboard’s Domestic Abuse service is a specialist by and for service created to support LGBTQ+ people who are experiencing Domestic Abuse. Our team of LGBTQ+ specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisor’s (IDVA’s) are here to provide a safe, accessible and identity affirming space to explore your experiences, create a safety and support plan with you, and help you begin to recover from Domestic Abuse.

Switchboard’s Domestic Abuse service provides various options for support, including 1-1 casework, LGBTQ+ specialist recovery programmes and peer support. 1-1 Casework Our team of IDVA’s can support you with: -Risk assessment and safety planning -Finding safe accommodation and housing support -Support to navigate the criminal justice system -Financial support -Emotional and mental health support The Polari Programme The Polari Programme is a by and for LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse recovery programme. The programme is psycho-educational and trauma informed, and supports you to explore your LGBTQ+ identity, your experiences of Domestic

Abuse and coping mechanisms to help you move forward. Survivor Spaces Survivor Spaces is our peer support group in which you can meet with other LGBTQ+ victim/survivors of Domestic Abuse for peer support. We provide various activities that explore themes of Domestic Abuse and recovery, but you can also just pop along for a cuppa and a chat if that is more your style. All of our services are created with a community led lens, and we strive to ensure our support is person centred, trauma informed, accessible, and identity affirming for each person we support. We know that this looks different for everyone- so we meet you where you are at, and support you work out the rest from there.

The LGBTQ+ community is particularly at risk of domestic abuse, and has historically struggled to access specialist, accessible and inclusive services. This is why our Domestic Abuse service exists, to provide culturally competent and trauma informed support created by the community, for the community.

Switchboard’s Domestic Abuse service is for any LGBTQ+ person who has experienced or is experiencing Domestic Abuse and lives in Sussex. Domestic abuse is a pattern of violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviours from a family member, partner(s) or ex-partner(s). Domestic abuse can affect people of any gender, race, sexuality, age, ethnicity or socio-economic background. Please know, you are not alone.

We are not a crisis service and aim to respond to all referrals within 2 working days. If you are in danger and need immediate help, please dial 999.

Self-referral Form
Professional Referral Form

Main Contact

Ciara Murphy

She/Her
Domestic Abuse, Sexual Harms and TNBI Service Manager
ciara.murphy@switchboard.org.uk