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Survey shows 30% of the LGBTQ Community feels abuse treatment centers are not welcoming

A recent survey asked members of the LGBTQ community how they have been treated by centers that deal with sexual and physical abuse.

"About 30 percent felt unwelcome at centers," said Zachary Packineau, the chair of the state Health Department's LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee.

Packineau said that survey was done in 2015. And he said there are several reasons for that result.

"North Dakota has a long-standing anti-LGBTQ political climate," Packineau said. "So there's a sense of not being able to be 'out' publicly."

Packineau said the community worries about confidentiality when using the services.

"North Dakota does not have statewide LGBTQ protections in employment and housing," Packineau said. "What if that information gets back to an employer or a landlord?"

But Packineau said in June, he attended a training session for domestic violence personnel. And based on that, he said things are improving for the community.

"Everyone at that training from rural and urban North Dakota want to help LGBTQ victims," Packineau said. "They want to make sure those victims have places to go for services. The support was overwhelming."

Packineau said he is hoping the providers, the employers and landlords will become more affirming. He said there is still work to do, but he thinks things are getting on the right track.

Packineau was a featured speaker at the North Dakota Injury Prevention Conference, being held in Bismarck.

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