LGBTQIA+ Domestic Violence Victims in Australia Say: Stop Leaving Us Invisible

Story Topic and Reporting Angle

This proposal looks at the challenges LGBTQIA+ people in Australia face when dealing with intimate partner violence (IPV). Studies show that rates of IPV in these communities are just as high or even higher than among heterosexual individuals. However, mainstream media has long focused primarily on heterosexual relationships, often overlooking the violence experienced by LGBTQIA+.

 

The focus of this story will be on the challenges and stress survivors face when they try to seek help, and how the current support systems often fall short.

 

Type of Story

This news story will be written as a feature. By combining personal narratives with contextual analysis, the feature aims to explore the complexity of IPV within the LGBTQIA+ community. It will strike a balance between data-driven research and human-centred storytelling, incorporating authoritative statistics and expert commentary alongside first-person accounts from survivors to enhance both emotional resonance and persuasive impact.

 

Proposed Publication and Target Audience

This feature is intended for submission to ABC News Online. The platform has a broad audience and is known for its focus on social justice, cultural diversity, and marginalised communities, aligning closely with the topic of this story.

 

The target audience includes, but is not limited to:

• LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies, who seek to raise awareness of violence affecting same-sex and gender-diverse individuals;

• Audiences who are engaged with social issues and equity movements;

• Professionals  such  as  policymakers,  social  workers,  and  academics  who  are involved in domestic violence prevention and community advocacy.

 

Key Sources of Information

Government Reports and Research Data: latest data from Australian family and safety agencies, including reports from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) on LGBTQIA+ domestic violence, as well as fact sheets from the Australian Department of Justice regarding coercive control, etc.

 

Organisations and Authoritative Voices: insights and case studies from organisations such as the LGBTQIA+ health organisation ACON and the LGBTQIA+ specific domestic violence service centres in New South Wales, etc.

 

Interviews with  Survivors  and Related  Stakeholders:  interview with  an LGBTQIA+ survivor of IPV (with anonymity protected), who will share their personal experience of coercive control; interview with frontline service provider or counsellor, offering insight into common case patterns and systemic service gaps.

 

Multimedia, Interactivity

Data visualisation: In addition to bar graphs, the feature will incorporate referenced data linked to relevant report summaries or official sources, such as the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) page on LGBTQIA+ intimate partner violence or the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data portal, among others.

 

Audio/Video: Embed relevant short videos, such as excerpts from public awareness campaigns released by community organisations or highlights from expert interviews.

 

Social Media Amplification: Use platforms like Twitter/X and Facebook to generate early engagement and promote discussion around the issue.

 

Image Suggestion

The feature will include an image that shows LGBTQIA+ individuals receiving support or care. The photo should evoke a sense of hope and reflect the article’s focus on counselling and community-based support for those affected.