The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has marked LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse Awareness Day by stressing that abuse can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Officers said domestic abuse includes emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse, as well as coercive control. They added that LGBTQ+ people can face extra hurdles in seeking help, including fears of discrimination, stigma, or being "outed".

PSNI figures indicate that over the past year, an average of 10% of domestic abuse reports involved a same-sex victim and offender.

Abusers may exploit a partner's sexuality by:

- Insisting abuse is "mutual" in same-sex/lesbian/gay relationships

- Threatening to "out" them at work or to family and friends

- Monitoring or criticising them for going out on the Scene

- Becoming possessive, jealous or angry about their friends or family

- Claiming they are not a "real" LGBTQ+ person based on appearance, behaviour or past relationships

You may also recognise warning signs such as:

- Taking responsibility for your partner's behaviour or problems

- Constantly worrying about upsetting them or starting an argument

- Receiving the silent treatment and feeling on edge

- Feeling nervous around your partner but more at ease and confident when apart Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Public Protection Branch said: "Domestic abuse is never acceptable. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their relationships, regardless of who they are or who they love.

"Recently we held a number of community based listening events to uncover hidden harm in the form of domestic abuse. These events were to listen and learn from the experiences of those in minority groups across Northern Ireland and the specialist services that support them.

"We know more needs to be done to reach out to communities like our vibrant LGBTQ+ network here in Northern Ireland to break down reporting barriers and ensure that they know we are here to help all.

"Over the next year and beyond we will be using learning from these events to build on public facing awareness messaging to encourage reporting.

"We recognise that LGBTQ+ individuals may face additional barriers in seeking help, and we want to be clear that support is available, confidential, and free from judgement."

The PSNI continues to work with partner organisations to build trust, increase confidence in reporting and improve access to support across all communities, including through The Rainbow Project: www.rainbow-project.org/crime-and-violence/

Anyone affected by domestic abuse can contact police on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency. Reports can also be made online: www.psni.police.uk/report

24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 1414. Open to anyone with concerns about domestic or sexual abuse, now or in the past, and available to all women and men affected by domestic and sexual violence.