Blog

Lesbian Visibility Week: A Recap

After Lesbian Visibility Week we want to ensure lesbians are visible in every space - including spaces for survivors. People often think that sexual violence can’t happen between two women. Violence (in particular sexual violence) is commonly discussed as a “man’s” crime which is committed against women. This leaves us with little understanding of the ways power, control and manipulation can show up in relationships without there being a man in the picture.

[TW: mention of sexual violence, power dynamics, intimate partner sexual violence.]

[Read Time: 4-5mins]

Sexual violence is an abuse of power. Being the same gender does not guarantee that there are no other power imbalances or pressures within the relationship.

Some examples of power imbalances are:

• Having access to intimate images and/or information about your partner
• Having more access to resources (e.g. money, housing, transport) than your partner
• Having more lived experience than your partner
• Being privileged over your partner because of your perceived race, ability, gender, or social status (e.g. being able to “pass” as straight in situations where it is needed, being able to advocate for oneself more easily because you are not disabled)

The belief that same-sex relationships cannot carry unequal power dynamics or lead to sexual violence can make it more difficult for lesbian women to name patterns of abusive behaviour and speak out about their experiences.

The STAR Centre is here for anyone in the lesbian community that has experienced sexual violence.

No matter your identity or your sexuality, the STAR centre will support you if you are affected by sexual violence. Our service covers any type of sexual violence, regardless of how recently/long ago it happened. We see you, we believe you and we will support you.