Queer and Trans DV survivor experiences

Hello!

I am a gay man and a crime victim advocate specializing in domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Soon, I will be conducting a training for justice system colleagues in the USA about the specific experiences of intimate partner violence survivors in the LGBTQIA+ community. To that end, I'm hoping to hear from individuals about their experiences seeking justice, to capture any shared experiences I may not have already considered.

Specifically, I'd like to hear from folks who:

• Are cisgendered and have experienced intimate partner violence in a same-sex relationship
• Are transgendered and have experienced intimate partner violence from a partner of any gender

Any and all reflections on your experiences are relevant, but here are some primary questions I'm considering:

• Did you seek assistance from the justice system? Either by filing a police report or seeking a protection order? Why, or why not?
• If so, did you feel respected or understood by workers within that system? e.g. police, advocates, judges, clerks, etc. Why, or why not?
• Did your abuser find ways to use your queer identity against you? How did this impact your ability to find safety?
• In what ways did supportive outsiders, no matter their affiliation, help you feel seen, heard, and understood on your journey to safety?
• Prior to your DV experience, had you already experienced victimization in any other capacity?

Thank you so much for your consideration and for sharing! If you are comfortable commenting here, I know your stories will help others going through similar situations. If you'd prefer to share via DM, that is fine! Also, while I am US-based, I welcome stories from survivors anywhere in the world.