NEWCASTLE -- "We used to have friends over for tea. I always loved and dreaded it too. Great to see friends, but inevitably I would say something `wrong' -- not that I saw it at the time -- and she just stopped talking to me for days. Then there were the bruises when we tried to talk about things ..."

Domestic violence in lesbian relationships is a reality often overlooked. "Looking out for each other", the Lesbian Domestic Violence Project, aims to increase awareness, discussion and support for women in violent domestic relationships by producing a book on the issue.

Coordinators aim to make the project a resource for change in addressing the issue of violent relationships and working towards healthy and safe relationships for lesbian women.

It is also hoped that the book could raise awareness amongst community service providers, who could then improve lesbian women's access to their services for support and assistance.

The project is planning to base the book on lesbians' experiences of domestic violence in their relationships, and is collecting stories and poems from women all over Australia. The material will be published in a non-identifiable form, ensuring confidentiality.

To raise money for mail-outs, telephone lines and organisational expenses, the project is organising a women's dance on September 6 (details page 27).

Women wishing to contribute their stories or to gain more information can contact "Looking out for each other", fax/ph (049) 654 789, or write to PO Box 888, Newcastle NSW 2300.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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