Domestic violence affects people of every gender identity and sexual orientation. LGBTQ+ survivors often face additional barriers when seeking safety and support, including fear of discrimination, threats of being outed, social isolation, housing insecurity, and lack of affirming services.
At Esperanza Shelter, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, heard, and supported. Our services are inclusive, confidential, trauma-informed, free, and available to all survivors.
Abuse is abuse, regardless of the genders involved.
Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to gain power and control over another person in a relationship. Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, financial, technological, or psychological.
LGBTQ+ survivors may experience abusive tactics that specifically target their identity, including:
Abuse can occur in dating relationships, marriages, chosen families, and long-term partnerships — regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Research consistently shows LGBTQ+ individuals experience intimate partner violence at disproportionately high rates. According to the CDC:
Domestic violence can have long-term impacts on physical health, mental health, employment, housing stability, and overall wellbeing. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, substance use, chronic health conditions, and social isolation.
You may be experiencing abuse if your partner:
Healthy relationships are built on trust, communication, respect, and consent.
Many survivors do not seek help immediately — or at all — because of fear, stigma, or previous negative experiences.
Common barriers include:
Some survivors may also worry that their experience “doesn’t count” because it does not fit stereotypes about domestic violence.
If someone you know may be experiencing abuse:
Even small acts of support can help someone feel less alone.
Esperanza Shelter provides free and confidential services in English and Spanish for everyone, including LGBTQ+ survivors.
Our services include:
Our team works to create a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment where survivors are treated with dignity and respect.
Finding safe and affirming support can feel overwhelming. Esperanza Shelter works alongside local and statewide organizations that support LGBTQ+ individuals, survivors, youth, and families throughout Northern New Mexico.
988
https://988nm.org/
Call 988 or text “Talk” to 988 in New Mexico for 24/7 free and confidential support.
Equality New Mexico
Equality New Mexico
Advocacy, education, and community resources supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and families across New Mexico.
The Mountain Center
The Mountain Center – Behavioral Health Services in New Mexico
Behavioral health programs, suicide prevention initiatives, youth support, and community wellness services that may benefit LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico
Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico
Advocacy, peer support, community connection, and resources for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals throughout New Mexico.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
thehotline.org
Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
The Network/La Red
https://www.tnlr.org
A survivor-led organization supporting LGBTQ+, trans, and polyamorous survivors of abuse.
Anti-Violence Project
NYC Anti-Violence Project
Support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ survivors of violence.
Trevor Project
The Trevor Project
24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth.
You belong. You are supported. You are never alone.