CONFERENCE TO 'OUT' SAME-SEX DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Addressing the hidden problem of same-sex domestic violence (SSDV) will be the focus of a unique conference in Sydney in September.

To be opened by NSW Education Minister Verity Firth, the conference is designed to help workers in the health, social services, legal and law enforcement sectors to better understand and respond to people experiencing SSDV.

The conference is being presented by the Same-Sex Domestic Violence Interagency, a partnership of various legal, health and welfare organisations including ACON, Australia’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) health organisation, as well as NSW Police, NSW Attorney General Dept, the City of Sydney and the Inner City Legal Service.

ACON CEO Stevie Clayton says SSDV is a significant problem. “There’s a widespread assumption that domestic violence doesn’t happen in same-sex relationships or it’s not as serious because it’s between two people of the same gender,” Ms Clayton says.

“However research shows that over a third of gay men and lesbians have experienced violence or abuse at the hands of a partner and that the level and types of violence are similar to those experienced in the heterosexual community.“

Ms Clayton says many victims of SSDV are reluctant to seek help for fear of homophobia.  “Those who do seek help are generally met with a lack of understanding of gay and lesbian relationships. That’s why we’re encouraging police, legal, healthcare and social workers to get along to this conference so they’re better equipped to identify and deal with SSDV.

“The conference will also outline some of the changes that need to be made to a whole range of systems and procedures so that the needs of the GLBT community are afforded the same level of respect as any other group in our society.”

Other topics that will be explored during the conference include:

• Domestic violence, same-sex couples and kids
• Same-sex couples and Apprehended Violence Orders
• Safety planning within the context of SSDV
• The relationship between masculinity and male SSDV    

Presenters at the conference include:

• The Hon. Verity Firth, MP, NSW Minister for Education and Training and Minister for Women
• Associate Professor Dr. Jude Irwin, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney
• Dr. Matthew Ball, Associate Lecturer, School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology
• Jack Draper, Lesbian Community Worker, WILMA Women’s Health Centre

WHAT: Same Sex Domestic Violence Conference 2009: Perspectives and Progress
WHEN:  Friday 11 September 2009, 9am – 4:30pm
WHERE: The Rex Centre, 58A Macleay Street Kings Cross, Sydney
COST: Full $50 / Students $25
INFO/REGO: www.acon.org.au