Belfast man stands trial for rape, threats to kill and GBH against ex-bf

July 27, 2009 in LGBT domestic violence

A Belfast man stands accused of rape, grievous bodily harm, administering a substance with sexual intent, imprisoning and threats to kill against his ex-boyfriend

In the High Court, twenty seven charges have been levelled against the man who can not be named for legal reasons.

His ex-boyfriend, a foreign national, claims he was too afraid to report the abuse as the accused had threatened to inform his parents, friends and work he was gay. Defence counsel has insisted the sex was consensual and that they were in a long term relationship until the accused’s arrest in February this year.

“It’s a sad truth that a lack of understanding and ignorance around LGBT domestic violence, results in cases like this where the victim continues to be persecuted further by the criminal justice system. Domestic Violence includes sexual abuse, and the use of threats, particularly to out a gay person which is so clear as in this case. Same sex domestic violence cannot remain behind closed doors; we need to bring these issues out into the open so LGBT people living with domestic violence can break free of their abuse and our communities can receive the help and support they desperately need and deserve. It’s a basic human right.” says Rita Hirani, CEO of LGBT Domestic Violence charity, Broken Rainbow who run the only national lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans domestic violence helpline.

Prosecutors also claim the victim was beaten with body builders weights, made to stand in a freezing cold shower and falsely imprisoned.

The judge presiding over the case has refused the accused’s bail.

The case continues

END

Editors notes:

1. Broken Rainbow is a registered charity, number 1103624.
2. www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
3. 1 in 4 LGBT people experience domestic violence
4. Helpline: 0300 999 5428, Mon 2-8pm, Wed 10-2pm, Thur 2-8pm.
5. Broken Rainbow is funded by the Home Office with some works funded by: Nationwide Foundation and Department Of Health.

Editor’s facts:
1. “Comparing Domestic Abuse in Same Sex and Heterosexual Relationships by Catherine Donovan, Marianne Hester, Jonathan Holmes & Melanie McCarry”
2. In the survey, more than a third of respondents (38.4%, 266/692) said that they had experienced domestic abuse at some time in a same sex relationship. This included 40.1% (169/421) of the female and 35.2% (94/258) of the male respondents.
3. The British Crime Survey (2000) found that 57% of domestic violence victims were repeat victims. The prevalence of domestic violence and abuse suggests that there is a need to address this across a range of services, including child and adult services, domestic violence, safety services and other support systems.
4. Shortcuts to full studies are available from www.broken-rainbow.org.uk