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David Kelley Services Resources we recommend

Loves Me, Loves Me Not

Same-sex partner abuse information brochures

David Kelley Services, in collaboration with members of the Coalition Against Same Sex Partner Abuse (CASSPA), has developed a series of four brochures addressing issues of abuse occurring in bisexual, gay, lesbian and trans relationships.

LGBTQ relationships can be satisfying, wonderful and challenging. However, for some couples, abuse is a confusing and sometimes dangerous reality. We live in a society that does not fully support the rights of LGBTQ individuals. Our relationships are often viewed as being not as serious or committed as heterosexual relationships.

Abuse in LGBTQ relationships share similarities with abuse in heterosexual relationships. However, there are also important differences. As LGBTQ couples we face attitudes of homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, sometimes even within our own community. Discrimination against LGBTQ people has resulted in a lack of appropriate services for individuals who experience abuse, as well as a culture of silence within the LGBTQ community around issues of abuse. Added to this, many of us also experience negative stereotypes regarding our race, class and gender identities, making it even more difficult to recognize abuse and find support.

With “Loves me, Loves me not” we aim to fill the information gap about abuse; break the silence around this issue; and even generate a debate on this topic. We hope that the increased visibility and public discussions will result in more and better services being developed in the future for our communities.

The brochure contents include:

• tips about how to identify if you are in an abusive relationship;
• what is abuse;
• the effects of abuse;
• myths about abuse;
• information about what to do if you’re abused;
• how to make a plan to leave the relationship if needed; and
• community resources.

Download the PDF brochures or read the HTML files by clicking on the links below or on brochure photos (only for PDF files):

Note: For printing any of these brochures please use legal size paper.

Loves Me, Loves Me Not for bisexual people (PDF file or HTML)
Loves Me, Loves Me Not for lesbians (PDF file or HTML)
Loves Me, Loves Me Not for gay men (PDF file or HTML)
Loves Me, Loves Me Not for trans people (PDF file or HTML )

 

Funding was made possible through a grant to David Kelley Services, Family Service Association of Toronto by the Ministry of the Attorney General, Ontario Victim Services Secretariat.

David Kelley LGBTQ & HIV/AIDS Services/Family Service Association of Toronto wishes to acknowledge numerous other community members and service providers who contributed to the development of these materials.

Read more about issues facing same-sex couples in "Honouring Complexity: Gender, culture and violence in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer individuals" - an article written by FSA Counsellor Patricia Durish.

To order brochures:

While supplies last, we will mail a minimum of 40 brochures (10 of each) for a total of $5.00 which includes shipping and handling (Ontario residents only). Please send cheque or money order along with the return address to:
Family Service Association of Toronto, David Kelley Services
Attn. James Robb
355 Church Street Toronto, Ontario M5B 1Z8
Please allow several weeks for delivery.

For larger orders or out of province requests please email dks@fsatoronto.com for costs of shipping/handling. The brochures may also be picked up at our office at no cost and with advance arrangements by emailing the above address.

 

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To arrange for counselling, please call our Service Access Unit, Tel: 416.595.9618

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