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Domestic Abuse in LGBTQ+ Relationships with James Barr
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James Barr is co-hosting this week to talk about his powerful live show 'Sorry I Hurt Your Son' and the reality of domestic abuse in queer relationships. From not recognising the signs to questioning whether it “counts” as abuse, James shares how he made sense of his experience and turned it into something life-changing.
We dive into why abuse is still so hidden in the LGBTQ+ community, the impact of shame and silence, and why more people need to speak out. Plus, James opens up about the moment he finally left, and how comedy helped him process it all - enjoy listeners!
Chris & James x
✉️Get in touch hello@homosapienspodcast.com
📲@homosapiens on instagram
🎥Watch on YouTube @homosapienspod
👆🏼Subscribe for more conversations that matter to the LGBTQ+ community ✨
Here are some resources for any listeners who may need them:
Lead Specialist Service
Galop – National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
- 0800 999 5428 | help@galop.org.uk
- Mon–Tue 9:15am–8pm, Wed–Fri 9:15am–4:30pm (closed 1–2pm), closed weekends
- Trans-specific service: Tuesday 1pm–5pm (per Camden NHS listings); Galop also runs a dedicated Trans Advocacy Service offering confidential advice by phone, email or face-to-face for people who’ve experienced violence, abuse or transphobia
- Live chat: Mondays and Thursdays; 24/7 chatbot on galop.org.uk
- Also covers sexual violence, hate crime, conversion practices, honour-based abuse, forced marriage. Has a dedicated under-25s young person’s team
London LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Partnership (DAP) – one referral, four agencies
- 020 7704 2040 / referrals@galop.org.uk
- Galop (lead), Stonewall Housing, London Friend, Switchboard – covers helpline, housing, counselling, advocacy
Housing Support
Stonewall Housing – LGBTQ+ housing & refuge advice
- 0800 6 404 404; national, including refuge access for those fleeing abuse
Counselling
London Friend – Specialist DV Counselling
- ⚠️ Specialist DV counselling funding ends March 2026 — no longer accepting new referrals; general LGBTQ+ counselling continues
Listening & Signposting
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – listening/info, signposting
- 0800 0119 100 | switchboard.lgbt
Additional Services
Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard (separate org) – has Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)
- IDVAs help with housing, refuge access, finances/benefits, criminal justice and mental health needs; also support FM, HBV and FGM cases
LGBT Foundation (Manchester-based, national reach)
- 0345 3 30 30 30 | lgbt.foundation
Mindline Trans+ – emotional support for trans/non-binary people
- 0300 330 5468 (mindinsomerset.org.uk)
Out-of-hours / emergencies
- 999 if in immediate danger (silent call: press 55 when prompted)
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge, 24/7, not LGBT-specific but inclusive): 0808 2000 247
- Samaritans: 116 123
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