Responding to Intimate Partner Violence - A Personal Perspective from a Queer Person of Colour
Tracks
Ballroom One
| Wednesday, December 1, 2021 |
| 2:26 PM - 2:46 PM |
Overview
Ms Deborah Costello, Self Employed
Speaker
Ms Deborah Costello
Business Consultant
Self Employed
Responding to Intimate Partner Violence - A Personal Perspective from a Queer Person of Colour
Abstract
Responding to Intimate Partner Violence - A Personal Perspective from a Queer Person of Colour
Deb Costello (the presenter) proudly identifies as a Queer Person of Colour.
In this presentation Deb will talk about her personal experience of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), coercive control and abuse, while in a relationship with a partner of the same gender.
While Deb chose to end this violent and abusive relationship many years ago, she will discuss the barriers to taking this step and will also reflect on how the trauma of these experiences still has an impact on her today.
The presenter will specifically talk about the difficulties she experienced in disclosing her situation and seeking help from friends, colleagues, family and health professionals during her time in this relationship. In this section, the impact of the intersectionality of being LGBTIQ+ and also from a multicultural background will be explored. Deb will reflect on the implications of this on help seeking and service response.
The presenter will discuss how the issue of IPV/FDV within LGBTIQ+ communities has largely been hidden. The topic has only recently started to gain some attention and is being discussed both within the community and among service providers.
Deb will talk about some of the strategies she has used to heal from this difficult time in her life including joining an Experts by Experience group which aims to influence policy and practice. Deb will talk about her experience of becoming a spokesperson on this issue, and will discuss the importance of speaking publicly and creating visibility to help others in the community seek help.
The presenter will also discuss how all service delivery agencies can be more sensitive and responsive to members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Deb will provide some very practical suggestions for developing more inclusive practice and some of the things FDV/IPV agencies can do to signal that you are “LGBTIQ+ friendly”.
3 Key Learning:
1. Greater awareness of the intersectional experience of those who identify as LGBTIQ and CALD.
2.Increased knowledge of the barriers to help seeking for those who are LGBTIQ and CALD.
3. Increased knowledge in developing more inclusive practice for those who identify as LGBTIQ and CALD.
Deb Costello (the presenter) proudly identifies as a Queer Person of Colour.
In this presentation Deb will talk about her personal experience of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), coercive control and abuse, while in a relationship with a partner of the same gender.
While Deb chose to end this violent and abusive relationship many years ago, she will discuss the barriers to taking this step and will also reflect on how the trauma of these experiences still has an impact on her today.
The presenter will specifically talk about the difficulties she experienced in disclosing her situation and seeking help from friends, colleagues, family and health professionals during her time in this relationship. In this section, the impact of the intersectionality of being LGBTIQ+ and also from a multicultural background will be explored. Deb will reflect on the implications of this on help seeking and service response.
The presenter will discuss how the issue of IPV/FDV within LGBTIQ+ communities has largely been hidden. The topic has only recently started to gain some attention and is being discussed both within the community and among service providers.
Deb will talk about some of the strategies she has used to heal from this difficult time in her life including joining an Experts by Experience group which aims to influence policy and practice. Deb will talk about her experience of becoming a spokesperson on this issue, and will discuss the importance of speaking publicly and creating visibility to help others in the community seek help.
The presenter will also discuss how all service delivery agencies can be more sensitive and responsive to members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Deb will provide some very practical suggestions for developing more inclusive practice and some of the things FDV/IPV agencies can do to signal that you are “LGBTIQ+ friendly”.
3 Key Learning:
1. Greater awareness of the intersectional experience of those who identify as LGBTIQ and CALD.
2.Increased knowledge of the barriers to help seeking for those who are LGBTIQ and CALD.
3. Increased knowledge in developing more inclusive practice for those who identify as LGBTIQ and CALD.
Biography
Deb has a passion for social justice. A former NFP CEO, she has 30 years-experience working across health, aged care, disability & injury prevention sectors. Deb has also worked with many Aboriginal & Multicultural organisations.
While Deb was born & raised in Perth, her cultural heritage is a mix of Anglo-Burmese, Anglo-Indian & Portuguese. Deb’s identity & experiences as a queer person of colour & her culturally diverse upbringing play a significant role in her life.
Deb is now a freelance consultant drawing on her professional & personal experiences to influence policy & practice in areas such as family violence.
