Founder and managing director of LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, Ben Bjarnesen, has announced he is stepping down after helping build the global movement.
LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation has thanked founder Ben Bjarnesen for six years of dedicated leadership.
Bjarnesen has made the decision to step down after founding and leading the organisation.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the past six years,” Bjarnesen told QNews, reflecting on the milestone.
“The Foundation has grown from an idea into a movement that is making a real difference for LGBTQ+ communities.”
“While I am stepping down as Managing Director, I remain deeply committed to the cause and will continue to support the Foundation, ensuring its vital work reaches those who need it most.”
The LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation Board of Directors thanked Ben “for his vision and courage.”
“And dedication to creating a world where all LGBTQ+ people can live free from violence and abuse,” they said in a statement.
“His leadership has laid strong foundations for the future, and he will remain connected as a strong supporter and advocate for its ongoing mission.”
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‘It struck me that I was in an abusive relationship’
In 2020, Bjarnesen founded an LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day on 28th May.
The day was to raise awareness and remove stigma around the issue of LGBTQ+ domestic violence.
He was a Queensland police officer at the time and a survivor of domestic violence, sharing his story with QNews in 2019.
“At the time, I didn’t identify my experience as domestic violence because initially, there was no physical violence,” he said.
“My partner threw things around the house, became jealous and displayed sudden outbursts of anger.
“However, I didn’t think it was domestic violence.
“I made excuses for him and his behaviour.”
It wasn’t until he read online about domestic violence resources that he became aware of his own situation.
“I completed a relationship checklist, and it struck me that I was in an abusive relationship.
“Once I acknowledged the existence of domestic violence, I started to take the necessary steps to leave the relationship.
“I learnt from my personal experience that domestic violence can take many forms and that it can affect anyone,
“It does not discriminate and can affect you regardless of your sexuality, gender identity, occupation, social status or income.
“Historically, DFV campaigns spoke of domestic and family violence as a heterosexual issue.
“Generally, campaigns portray women and children as victims and men as perpetrators.
“As a result, I didn’t perceive myself as a victim of domestic violence.”
‘From a single idea into a global movement’
Bjarnesen has given a voice to those who didn’t know how to have one in a system that didn’t serve them.
More than 60% of LGBTQ+ people report having experienced domestic or family violence.
In contrast, around 27% of women and 12% of men in heterosexual relationships have reported experiencing violence from an intimate partner.
Last year, as part of LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day, the Foundation launched an expanded national training program, See Hear Believe.
See Hear Believe offers practical tools for workplaces, communities, and allies to recognise signs of violence in LGBTQ+ relationships.
“During Ben’s tenure, the Foundation hosted a series of charity fundraising galas,” the Foundation’s statement read.
“Launched two free e-learning programs, distributed thousands of free educational resources,”
“Reached millions through media campaigns, raised over 1.1 million dollars in its mission,
“And inspired thousands globally to pledge to change the conversation around LGBTQ+ domestic and family violence.”
“Ben Bjarnesen and Beck O’Connor established the Foundation in 2019 after identifying a critical gap in support for LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic and family violence.
“The Foundation has proudly grown from a single idea into a global movement.
“Its annual LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day is now recognised in more than 20 countries worldwide,
“Making the Foundation a leading international voice for change.”
The Foundation will make further announcements on leadership arrangements in due course.
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