Same sex domestic violence in rural areas

The patterns, effects and impacts of same sex domestic violence in rural, regional and remote areas shares many similarities to that in metropolitan areas. However there are a number of factors that are unique to the experiences of domestic violence in rural areas, including:

• There may be few support or legal services available in the local area.
• It may be difficult to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
• Physical isolation may make it difficult to contact friends, family, neighbours or services.
• The greater chance that someone seeking help may encounter homophobia
  or discrimination from services.

There are a number of strategies that someone experiencing domestic violence in rural areas can use to lessen the difficulty of seeking help, including:

• Developing a comprehensive Crisis Plan.
• Seeking the support of a few trusted friends or services, even if they are outside the area.
• Seeking services in neighbouring towns or regional centres.
• Talking with state-wide services, eg the Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63).