Loving Me launch domestic abuse support service

Funded by the Ministry of Justice and Comic Relief, The Emily Davison Centre are launching a new national domestic abuse support service for individuals that self-identify as Transgender, Non-Binary or Gender Queer (T/NB/GQ).

The service is called Loving Me and provides one-to-one support and advocacy to adults across England. Individuals who identify as T/NB/GQ who are living with domestic abuse often have nowhere to turn. Loving Me provides specialist one-toone support by qualified and experienced Independent Domestic Violence 

Advisors (IDVAs) who also identify as T/NB/GQ, so understand the nuances of being trans. 

Project lead Amanda Elwen, who is also a trustee at Women’s Aid National, said “We all have the right to self-ID, we should also have the same rights in being able to access support when we need it. For too long now transgender people have 

been excluded from services leading to increased harm, including death in some cases. Services across the country cannot continue to exclude those with different gender identities; this specialist service will not only provide essential support but 

will also work in partnership with existing services to remove some of the barriers that consciously/unconsciously support the exclusion and discrimination of vulnerable individuals.”

It is important to recognise that domestic abuse is not limited to an ongoing relationship and can escalate during the separation process. Leaving any relationship is hard, but leaving an abusive one is even harder. Our aim is to ensure 

that victims of abuse get the best support available, at a time where they most need it. This way we can reduce the likelihood of someone being seriously harmed.

Loving Me’s IDVAs understand that there are specific forms of intimate partner violence that affect trans people.

The team at Loving Me can provide advocacy and support that fully understands the nuances of being a transgender survivor. Loving Me also works with specialist services across England to increase access and reduce barriers for members of the 

trans community.

Support is offered online via web chat, telephone, Zoom calls and WhatsApp.

Individuals can self-refer, or referrals can be made directly by agencies on our website. For referrals and more information please visit here

Published: 17-Mar-2022: (6578)