This article highlights Differenza Lesbica Roma’s project from Italy, funded by the second cycle of EL*C’s grant-making programme: Lesbians Against Violence (Combating Gender-Based Violence against Lesbians).
What happens when survivors cannot see themselves reflected in the systems that are supposed to protect them? For many lesbians, the harm caused by gender-based violence is compounded by silence: by services that do not recognise their experiences, by stereotypes that erase violence in lesbian relationships, and by institutions that are not always prepared to respond.
In Italy, Differenza Lesbica Roma APS is working to change this reality. With support from EL*C through its EU-funded grant-making programme against gender-based violence, the organization is implementing “RISE – Strengthening Inclusion, Support and Empowerment for LBT+ Survivors of Gender-Based Violence”, a project designed to make prevention, protection and support systems truly accessible for lesbian communities. At the heart of the project is a simple principle: survivors should not have to adapt themselves to existing systems – systems must become capable of understanding and responding to survivors’ realities.
Building on Differenza Lesbica’s long-standing work and the experience gained through its previous initiative “Scomodə”, RISE focuses on creating a replicable model of support for LBT+ survivors. The project works to connect legal, psychological, social and health-related assistance through coordinated pathways, ensuring that survivors can access care that is continuous, trauma-informed and rooted in an understanding of their lived experiences.
A central part of this work has been strengthening the skills of professionals who are often the first point of contact for survivors. Through dedicated trainings, Differenza Lesbica has engaged professionals from social, health, education and communication sectors, supporting them to better recognize and respond to gender-based violence affecting LBT+ people. Participants explored topics such as inclusive language, institutional bias, secondary victimization and the specific barriers faced by lesbian*, bisexual, trans and queer communities.
At the same time, RISE has expanded access to direct support through trained anti-violence and anti-discrimination services. Using an affirmative and survivor-centred approach, the project provides safer pathways to counselling, referrals, family mediation and support networks. This work recognizes that experiences of violence are often connected with other forms of exclusion – including isolation, economic insecurity, discrimination and rejection after coming out.
But RISE is not only about improving services; it is also about building power within the community. Through Gruppo D (a peer-support and empowerment group created by and for LBTIQ+ survivors), LBTIQ+ people come together to share experiences, rebuild connection with themselves and others, and collectively reflect on change. Combining body-based practices, community building and advocacy, the group creates a space where healing and political awareness can grow together.
To support wider transformation, Differenza Lesbica is also developing a national guide on good practices on inclusive responses to GBV against LBT+ survivors. Drawing from frontline experience, training activities and community knowledge, the guide aims to offer practical tools that can be used by professionals, organizations and institutions beyond the project itself.
Visibility is another essential part of change. Through its awareness-raising campaign, RISE works to challenge stereotypes and reduce the harm that LBT+ people often experience when seeking support, particularly in healthcare and institutional settings. B By amplifying informed voices and promoting concrete practices, the campaign contributes to building systems based on recognition, dignity and respect.
RISE is creating bridges between lesbian communities, feminist organisations, public services and professionals. In doing so, it is building knowledge where there were gaps, connection where there was isolation, and visibility where there was silence.
Above all, RISE carries a powerful message: lesbian survivors of gender-based violence deserve systems that see them, believe them and are ready to stand beside them.
NOTE: You can learn more about the results of the first cycle of the EL*C’s Grant-Making Programme by reading this article.
