POLICE across the country have showed their support today for LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Awareness Day.

The day raises awareness of domestic abuse in LGBT+ communities and encourage victims to come forward.

And it delivers a very clear message – "There’s No Pride In Domestic Abuse".

It has been launched in the UK by the Co-Chair of the National LGBT+ Police Network PC Amy Tapping and runs alongside similar days taking place across the world.

This follows the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation in Australia setting-up an inaugural awareness day last year, and after speaking to colleagues on the other side of the world, PC Tapping was determined to bring an event closer to home.

She hopes the day will ultimately encourage more victims of abuse to come forward and seek support.

PC Tapping said: "Domestic abuse is significantly under-reported in the LGBT+ community and it is our aim to not only promote the awareness day and encourage more victims to come forward, but we want to go beyond that and continue to build better relations within these communities.

"Many victims are suffering in silence and we want to ensure they know we can provide support and help give them a voice.

“A lot of work is under way nationally to better understand the needs of the LGBT+ community and listen to how we can further support victims of domestic abuse.

“We all have a part to play in protecting vulnerable victims and I would encourage everyone to show their support for this awareness day.

“It is important we all continue to make this commitment year-round and do what we can to support each other – together we can make a real difference.”

Detective Superintendent Gwyn Dodd, Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) force lead for domestic abuse, believes this is a positive step in providing increased support and awareness for LGBT+ victims.

Det Supt Gwyn Dodd said: "The diverse population of Greater Manchester have the right to live their lives free from discrimination, and GMP want to ensure every community knows that help and support is available, regardless of gender, sexuality, race or any other factors.

"Domestic abuse is a priority for GMP, and as a force, we continue to drive forward the work we do with the LGBTQ+ community. In 2017, GMP started to record same sex domestic abuse as a separate entity. This has proven essential in providing insights into how domestic abuse affects the LGBTQ+ community, and has been a key driver for an increase in funding and specialised support within the community.

"As a force, we have been recognised locally and nationally for best practice when working with the LGBTQ+ community, and this is something we are extremely proud of.

"We continue to pro-actively engage with local communities right across Greater Manchester, work closely with partners who specialise in working with the LGBTQ+ community and every one of our officers undergoes a specific training programme.

"I would like to encourage anyone who is living with the effects of domestic abuse to speak out - whether this is through speaking to the police, or a specialised support service.

"Whatever anyone's background, no one should have to live with the effects of domestic abuse."

If you would like to make a report to the police, you can do so via the LiveChat or online reporting facility by visiting https://www.gmp.police.uk/ or by dialling 101.

You can also contact the LGBT Foundation who can offer help and support, by dialling 0345 3303030, or emailing dasupport@lgbt.foundation.

For further information please visit: lgbt.foundation/dasupport Greater Manchester Victims’ Services who can also provide independent emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime.

You can contact the service by visiting the website on https://www.gmvictims.org.uk/ or calling 0161 200 1950.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.