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Abuse & Trafficking

If you are in immediate physical danger, know that 911 can quickly connect you to medical, fire, and police; stay calm, provide clear details, and know that your location can be tracked even if you do not speak.

Hotlines are also available to support you in creating a safe exit plan. Hotlines like La Red / The Network offer culturally sensitive support for QTPOC and other marginalized survivors.

Domestic Violence & Abuse

If You Suspect Abuse

Recognizing the Signs of Abuse

Supporting Someone Experience Abuse

Hotlines for Support

Taking Action Against Abuse

Disclaimer

Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention

Hotline For Human Trafficking (National)

Recognizing a Victim

Identifying Suspicious People and Activities

Disclaimer

QTPOC and Abuse: Finding Safety and Support

QTPOC Realities & Challenges

Myths and Truths

Ways Support Can Help You

You Are Strong for Seeking Help

QTPOC Abuse Resources

Domestic Violence & Abuse

Domestic and sexual abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or income. Abuse isn’t just physical; it can also be emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial. These types of abuse can cause long-term effects. If you or someone you know is going through any form of abuse, remember that help is available. No one should face abuse alone.

If You Suspect Abuse

If you think someone might be in an abusive situation, it’s important to be gentle, understanding, and respectful. Let them know they’re not alone, and encourage them to reach out for professional help. Don’t expect them to leave the situation right away. Abuse is complicated, and it may take time for someone to ask for help. Always listen without judging them.

Recognizing the Signs of Abuse

Abuse can look different in many ways. It’s important to know the signs so you can tell when someone might need help:

  • Physical abuse: Unexplained injuries, frequent doctor visits, or aggressive behavior.
  • Emotional abuse: Humiliating, threatening, or belittling behavior meant to control or hurt.
  • Sexual abuse: Any unwanted sexual actions, pressure, or assault that violates someone’s consent.
  • Psychological and financial control: Being cut off from friends and family, controlling money, or tracking someone’s personal activities.

Supporting Someone Experience Abuse

If you suspect someone may be in an abusive situation, approach them with respect, understanding, and without judgment. Offer support, listen openly, and encourage them to reach out for professional help. Remember that leaving an abusive situation can be challenging and requires time, so be patient.

You can be a crucial source of emotional support even if you cannot resolve the situation directly. Encourage them to consider reaching out to the resources below.

Hotlines for Support

If you or someone you know is facing domestic or sexual abuse, there are many ways to get help:

Taking Action Against Abuse

Abuse thrives where no one speaks out. Help prevent abuse by raising awareness, challenging harmful stereotypes, and supporting those in need. Reporting suspicious activity can help keep people safe, and your actions can contribute to ending abuse and exploitation for others.

Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention

Hotline For Human Trafficking (National)

If you or someone you know may be at risk of human trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24/7 for private support across the United States. The hotline connects you to trained professionals who can offer advice, resources, and support if you or someone else is affected by trafficking or if you notice suspicious activity.

The hotline offers help in over 200 languages and can guide you on what to do if you're worried about someone's safety.

Recognizing a Victim

Human trafficking can happen in close relationships, like with family members or partners. Sometimes, parents or intimate partners force others (often daughters or partners) to do sexual things for money. It’s important to be able to spot this type of trafficking to protect people who might be at risk.

Trafficking victims might not ask for help directly, but there are signs to look for:

  • Physical Appearance: Signs of injuries, not eating enough, being very tired, or having untreated wounds.
  • Behavior: Acting scared or distant, speaking very little or in a way that seems controlled, or avoiding talking about their situation.
  • Restricted Freedom: They might always be with someone, not able to go places on their own, or not have their ID or money. They could be cut off from getting help or forced to hide their relationships.
  • Confusion: Some victims don’t know where they are or what day it is, or they might be confused about their surroundings.
  • Financial Dependency: Victims may depend on the trafficker for everything and have no control over their money.

If you notice signs like trauma, fearful behavior, or confusion, it’s important to stay alert and get help for them.

Identifying Suspicious People and Activities

Human traffickers often look for people they can control. Watch out for the following suspicious behaviors:

  • Unfamiliar People Hanging Around: If you see strangers spending a lot of time near shelters, public transportation, or other places where people gather, it could be a sign.
  • Invasive or Suspicious Conversations: Watch out for people asking too many personal questions or offering too-good-to-be-true job offers or living situations.
  • Attempts to Isolate: If someone tries to separate another person from a group or discourages them from talking to others, it’s suspicious.
  • Controlled Movements: Look for people who are controlling someone’s every move.

Keep an eye out for these signs, and if something feels off, don’t hesitate to report it to help protect people from harm.

QTPOC and Abuse: Finding Safety and Support

Abuse can happen in any relationship, but as a QTPOC person (queer, trans, and person of color), you might face extra challenges when trying to get help. It’s normal to feel unsure about where to turn, but there are safe, private places you can reach out to.

QTPOC Realities & Challenges

Being both LGBTQIA+ and a person of color can create extra pressures, especially if you’re in an abusive relationship. Some common challenges include:

  • Feeling Cut Off from Your Community: You might worry about losing support from friends, family, or community members if you speak up about abuse. Sometimes, people may fear that talking about abuse makes them seem like they’re “betraying” their culture or group.
  • Few Resources That Understand Your Background: Not all support organizations are trained to understand the different parts of your identity, like race, culture, and LGBTQIA+ identity. This can make you feel unseen or misunderstood.
  • Privacy and Safety Issues: Concerns about privacy can be especially hard if you’re worried about immigration, your legal rights, or discrimination. These fears can keep you from reaching out, but confidential support is available to help you stay safe.

Myths and Truths

Misunderstandings about abuse can make it harder for QTPOC survivors to seek support. Here are some common myths and the truth about each:

  • “Abuse doesn’t happen in LGBTQIA+ relationships.” 
    Abuse is about power and control and can happen in any relationship, regardless of identity. You’re not alone, and your experiences deserve to be taken seriously.
  • “Leaving is easier if you’re not legally married.” 
    Leaving an abusive relationship is difficult for anyone. Emotional, social, and financial challenges can make it hard to leave, especially for QTPOC survivors who face extra barriers.
  • “Abuse isn’t real unless it’s physical.” 
    Abuse can be emotional, verbal, financial, or sexual and still be very harmful. QTPOC survivors sometimes face threats related to their identity, like being “outed.” Remember, abuse doesn’t have to be physical to be real.
  • “QTPOC relationships are naturally aggressive, so it’s not abuse.” 
    Abuse is about control and harm. Your experiences deserve to be taken seriously, without stereotypes or judgment.
  • “QTPOC survivors should rely on their communities only.” 
    While community support can be valuable, some QTPOC survivors worry about being judged or misunderstood by people who may not understand. Trusted, confidential help is available to everyone.

These myths can make you feel like your experience isn’t real or important, but that isn’t true. Abuse is never okay, and you deserve a safe place where people believe and support you.

Ways Support Can Help You

Support for QTPOC survivors can include:

  • Crisis Counseling: Support from trained people who are ready to listen and help you understand what you’re going through.
  • Legal Support: Some organizations have people who can guide you through the legal system with an understanding of QTPOC needs.
  • Safe Places and Shelters: You may find POC-friendly and LGBTQIA+-affirming spaces for short-term shelter if needed.
  • Ongoing Support: Many groups offer continued counseling, support groups, and resources to help you heal and rebuild your life.

You Are Strong for Seeking Help

Reaching out for support can be tough, but it’s a brave and important step. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported. Many people understand your challenges and are ready to help when you’re ready. It’s normal to worry about privacy, especially if you're concerned about facing discrimination or backlash. But rest assured, the resources listed below prioritize your confidentiality, so you can get the help you need without worrying about your safety or privacy.

QTPOC Abuse Resources

  • North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCCASA): Offers support for survivors and connects you to local resources. Visit NCCASA
  • Our VOICE, NC: Provides crisis support, counseling, and resources for survivors of sexual violence. Visit Our VOICE
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Offers a 24/7 hotline for survivors of abuse. Visit RAINN
  • The Network/La Red: Provides support for LGBTQIA+ people facing domestic violence. Visit The Network/La Red

If you're currently experiencing abuse, know that you don’t have to face this alone. There are compassionate professionals who understand and are here to support you. Whether you reach out to a hotline, talk to a trusted friend, or explore these resources, help is available for you. You deserve support that respects and affirms who you are.

Disclaimer
The information and resources shared here are meant to raise awareness and connect you with helpful tools for your safety and well-being. While we aim to provide information, we don’t officially endorse external content and can’t take responsibility for any outcomes from its use. Please review these resources carefully and make decisions that work best for you.

We do not handle any cases directly. For immediate help, please contact emergency services or one of the listed resources.

Last updated: December 12, 2024, 3:27 am