The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the alleged intimate partner violence (IPV) homicide of Ashley Belle that occurred on Jan. 26, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. According to media citing police sources, Ashley Belle’s domestic partner, Laura Bozeman, has been charged in connection with her death, which occurred after two days of verbal and physical altercations.
“Intimate partner violence affects lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) relationships with the same, if not higher, frequency as heterosexual relationships, yet the issue is seldom addressed in national discourses,” said Osman Ahmed, NCAVP’s Research and Education Coordinator at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. “We need more education, services, and prevention programs that seek to end IPV in LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities and provide services and support to LGBTQ and HIV-affected survivors of IPV.”
In NCAVP’s report Intimate Partner Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV Affected Communities in 2013, released on October 15, 2014, there were 21 IPV homicides in 2013, the highest recorded level, equal to the 21 homicides in 2012. This is up from 19 IPV homicides in 2011 and more than three times the 6 documented homicides in 2010. Additionally, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lesbians, gay men and bisexual people experience intimate partner violence at the same or higher rates as non-LGB people.
NCAVP has reached out to local organizations in the Atlanta area to raise awareness of this homicide and to offer support to local communities.
NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an anti-violence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org.
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.