Victims of domestic abuse from minority communities face additional barriers in accessing support, research has found.
The research explored the experiences of LGBTQ+, black and ethnic minority (BME) communities, and disabled victims of domestic abuse and their support needs.
It was undertaken by Bournemouth University in partnership with Yellow Door and Stop Domestic Abuse, which deliver specialist services for groups of victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Southampton and the surrounding areas.
The research found that minority groups experienced a range of additional barriers in seeking support.
This included inappropriate provision in refuges or shelters for LGBTQ+ groups, as well as limited disabled spaces in refuges.
Disabled victims also experienced barriers in seeking help if their abuser was also their carer, and in accessing support for complex care needs.
The research found that BME groups may have additional needs in relation to language and translation services; their immigration status and limited access to public funds; and cultural or familial stigma or pressure to stay with their abuser.
Data was collected via an online survey, a focus group with professionals, and interviews with people with lived experience of domestic abuse.
Dr Jane Healy, a Principal Academic in Criminology at Bournemouth University and part of the research team, said: “While acknowledging that there were many good examples of support services, particularly from Yellow Door and Stop Domestic Abuse, the research found that all service users experienced difficulties in accessing different types of support, and these were for a combination of reasons, including individual and structural barriers - such as being embarrassed, stigma, shame, and fear of consequences, or of not being believed, as well as not being aware of what support is out there for them.
“However, for our minority groups there were additional barriers. We have set out a range of recommendations to better support these communities, and we welcome other feedback in response to the report.”
Recommendations from the research include being supported by someone with the same cultural or ethnic background; access to interpreters; accessible housing and refuge spaces; greater facilities for older LGBTQ+ people; and more appropriate refuge options for Queer and Trans communities.
Nicci King, CEO of Yellow Door, said: “We are truly grateful to those that have shared their experiences for this research. Their voices represent victims and survivors who are the most marginalised and disadvantaged by our society, hearing directly from them has enabled us to recognise and build on what we are doing well, and also to continue to adapt our services to ensure they are equitable and targeted to individual’s needs.
“The research also highlights how crucial it is that long term and sustainable investment is made for specialist domestic abuse services like ours, to ensure we can continue to deliver inclusive and accessible support where it is most needed to ensure all victims, survivors and their families can stay safe and well.”
Anna McLaughlin, Service Manager at Stop Domestic Abuse, added: "We recognise that every victim and survivor has a unique experience and journey; the findings from this research provide another reminder of how critical it is that we are always connected to the survivor voice and providing services that feel welcoming and accessible to all.
“The research findings have been used to develop our training offers to external professionals, with a specific focus on preventing secondary victimisation. We are incredibly grateful to all involved in this piece of research but in particular to the victims and survivors who gave their time to courageously share their experiences."
