As the only dedicated domestic violence service in the region that works with adults of any sex, gender or sexual orientation, the OSSCork recognises its crucial role in providing services to those who may not be able to access relevant and appropriate supports elsewhere.
The reachOUT project is a collaboration between the OSSCork Domestic Violence Information Resource Centre and Gay Project. The reachOUT research phase set out to assess the prevalence of intimate partner abuse between gay and bisexual and men who have sex with men in Cork and develop referral pathways between the two organisations.
GBT+ men in Cork who are experiencing abuse and control in their intimate relationships are welcome to contact OSSCork for its full range of services.
Gay Project also offer information and resources, and run a range of social, sport, and personal development services.
Tel: 021 430 0430/ email: info@gayproject.ie
Read the full reachOUT report here
Read the summary reachOUT report here
Phase II focuses on raising awareness of the issue more generally, and providing training in recognising, responding and referring for professionals who may come into contact with this population in the course of their work.
reachOUT: Addressing Intimate Partner Abuse among Gay and Bisexual Men in Cork
Gay and bisexual and men who have sex with men (including trans and non-binary), like any other group, may experience abuse and control in their intimate relationships. However, they may not always recognise what is happening as abuse, or view existing domestic violence services as appropriate to their needs.
Some types of intimate partner abuse, such as physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse may present in both straight and gay relationships.
Gay relationships may, however, experience other types of abuse including threats of outing, denial that what is happening is abusive, refusal to practice safe sex or recognise safe words, HIV-related abuse, as well as isolation from the gay community and abuse related to sexual orientation and masculinity.
Being a member of a minority group carries risks of experiencing additional stressors which can impact behaviours within relationships as well as access to social and professional supports when things go wrong.
