new funding enhances
Vera House services
for the LGBT community
a message from Vera House education program director
LOREN CUNNINGHAM

There is relatively little data on intimate relationship violence in the  LGBT (Lesbian . Gay . Bisexual . Transgender) community, but the studies that have been conducted uniformly suggest that domestic violence is experienced by a large percentage of LGBT individuals at some point in their lives.

In fact, based on this research, it is becoming clear that domestic violence is just as widespread in LGBT relationships as it is among heterosexual couples - perhaps as high as 20% to 35%. For example, a 2002 study demonstrated that gay and bisexual men experience abuse in intimate partner relationships at a rate comparable to that of heterosexual women: 2 in 5!

These compelling numbers cannot be ignored
and dramatically emphasize the critical need
for domestic & sexual abuse services for
the LGBT community - a need which Vera House
is committed to addressing.

That is why we are so proud to announce that Vera House, Inc. recently received a $25,000 Legislative Member Item from the NYS Assembly, along with other member organizations of the NYS LGBTQ Domestic Violence Network, which will substantially enhance our ongoing effort to improve service accessibility for LGBT people who are victims of domestic and sexual violence.

The funds will be used to develop the capacity of Vera House and its community partners to better serve LGBT victims of intimate relationship abuse, and allow us to create and distribute print resources that specifically address LGBT domestic and sexual violence.
 

For more info check out this informative website:

 

To specifically meet the needs of LGBTQ youth
a significant portion of the project will involve a collaboration between Vera House and the LGBTQ Youth Center of AIDS Community Resources. Together, we will offer much-needed services for LGBT teens who have experienced abuse or violence in their relationships, along with targeted education to help prevent future victimization.

Vera House will provide counseling services to young survivors of dating/sexual violence and regular prevention education workshops  at the LGBTQ Youth Center. The educational programs will focus on the identification of warning signs of abuse, the negotiation of personal safety and the building of healthy personal boundaries and relationships.

We are honored by this exciting opportunity
to partner with the LGBTQ Youth Center
in improving our community's response
to the needs and challenges of an
overlooked and underserved population.

 ___________________

for more information
call Loren Cunningham at #315.425.0818 ext208
or