I’ve made it my ongoing–and fervent–mission to shine a bright light on a certain insidious, demoralizing, and horrific behavior that continues to plague the LGBTQ+ Community—Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse, or IPV/A.  This is Part 16 of an ongoing series that addresses this potentially life-threatening cycle of abuse.

Within the LGBTQ+ community, Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) is referred to as Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A). In the U.S., October has been designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (NDVAM).

Statistics show that IPV/A occurs with a similar frequency as in heterosexual relationships. Additionally, new research suggests that a greater percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals are living in fear of an abusive partner than previously thought. And each year, between 50,000-100,000 lesbians (or more) and as many as 500,000 (or more) gay/SGL men are battered, and about one in four LGBTQ+ relationships/partnerships are abusive in some way. Incidences of IPV/A often are under-reported amongst same-sex couples.

Several years ago, I wrote an op-ed about this destructive, demoralizing, and potentially life-threatening cycle of behavior for the Advocate, the world’s leading source of LGBTQ+ news and information. The column documented my experience as a survivor of Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse.

The op-ed also provides a short IPV/A tutorial, which includes: what this dysfunctional and potentially deadly violence and abuse means; its ramifications; the warning signs; the pivotal and integral role of stigma; the abuser and his/her wielding of power against the victim; and how the victim can become a survivor by making his/her “Great Escape”–a phrase I’ve coined for my national seminars and workshops.

Here’s the Advocate link: https://www.advocate.com/commentary/2016/12/06/making-great-escape-abusive-relationship

Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A) is an overarching theme of my new novel, “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart—SHATTERED!” I’m proud and excited that “SHATTERED!” is receiving enthusiastic, five-star reviews, and has universal appeal. Read more about it on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Can-Tear-Us-Apart-SHATTERED

I’ve made it my ongoing–and fervent–mission to continue to shine a bright light on IPV/A, a hellish and potentially life-threatening, cycle of dysfunctional behavior. This entire month, and every month…

We Must RISE UP…And Tell Someone! Anyone Who Will Listen. We must make our “Great Escape”.

And always remember: the most powerful weapon the abuser has in his/her arsenal is…SILENCE!

If you or someone you know is experiencing IPV/A, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233); the Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project Hotline (1-800-832-1901); the Trans Lifeline Hotline (U.S., 877-565-8860. Canada, 877-330-6366).

I have a special IPV/A section right here at Wyattevans.com that includes resources to assist victims. Check it out.

The time is NOW to break the cycle!