Domestic & Sexual Violence in the LGBTQIA+ Community

24-Hour Help Line Call: 877-216-6383 Text: 989-200-5122 Midland Office: 989-835-6771 Gladwin Office: 989-426-9413 www.shelterhousemidland.org

Shelterhouse serves all victims of domestic and sexual violence regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, income, or ability level. Services are confidential and free of charge.

SERVICES 24-hour help line Safe shelter Support groups One-on-one counseling Housing assistance Legal advocacy & court accompaniment Sexual assault medical forensic examinations

You are safe here.

Local Resources for the LGBTQIA+ Community: Intersections at Shelterhouse A support group specifically for LGBTQIA+ survivors of domestic and sexual violence Ph: 877-216-6383 www.shelterhousemidland.org For more information on Intersections, contact: Amy McDonald mcdonald@shelterhousemidland.org (989) 698-1620 ext. 263

Great Lakes Bay Pride The Great Lakes Bay Region’s LGBTQ+ Resource Group Ph: 989-891-1429 www.greatlakespride.org

Domestic & Sexual Violence in the LGBTQIA+ Community Information for survivors, loved ones, and allies in Midland and Gladwin Counties..

Midland County Hope Portal/2-1-1 Dial 2-1-1 to find local resources or visit www.myhopeportal.com

Call: 877-216-6383 Text: 989-200-5122

The Issues Domestic violence and sexual assault can be experienced by individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The LGBTQIA+ community experiences these issues at equal to or even higher rates than heterosexual counterparts.

LGBTQIA+ individuals are also more likely to experience unique forms of abuse and specific barriers to leaving and seeking services, such as: Discrimination from service provicers

The assumption that shelters will not accept LGBTQIA+ individuals The fear of 'outing' oneself by seeking help Societal beliefs that LGBTQIA+ individuals don't experience DV/SA Low levels of confidence in the criminal justice system The lack of, or being unaware of, LGBTQIA+ friendly resources

Is it Abuse?

Domestic violence (also known as relationship violence or intimate partner violence) is a pattern of controlling behaviors carried out by one person in a relationship in order to maintain power and control over the other. It can include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, spiritual, and economic abuse behaviors.

What is Sexual Assault?

The term sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. Sexual assault can include attempted or completed penetration (also known rape), as well as unwanted touching, fondling, forced sex acts, and other non-consensual sexual behaviors.

Asking for help can be your greatest strength.

You are welcome here.

At Shelterhouse Shelterhouse recognizes that the LGBTQIA+ community faces unique needs when it comes to domestic and sexual violence. Here are some of the ways we support these needs: Individual suites for all residents Gender neutral language on forms and policies Continuing education and training for staff on LGBTQIA+ issues Intersections at Shelterhouse, a support group for LGBTQIA+ survivors of domestic and sexual violence