October 2019 is Domestic Violence Awareness month.
One of the myths of DV is that there is little to none in the LGBTQIA+ communities, but there is. DV is about power, even if one of its tools is sex. Lesbians and gay men can both suffer abuse at the hands of their partners. Bisexual women also suffer high rates of domestic violence.
For those who are bisexual or become involved late in life in same-sex relationships, many people will assume that a same-sex relationship choice (for example, becoming involved with a woman after being in an abusive relationship with a man is because she now hates men). This is possible, but would actually be not very likely according to surveys. Mostly this sort of “this or that only” reaction is a symptom of bi-erasure, a disbelief that a bisexual orientation is valid.
This complex issue at the intersection of relationships and sexuality is important to address through fiction. I feel strongly that making domestic violence a part of a character’s background should not ever be undertaken lightly. It is going to affect characterization, both in the presence of the abuser and when the character is forming new relationships. Giving all that the space for the character’s relationships, reactions, and resolutions, to be revealed and developed is one reason why my first novel turned out so long. (Another reason is because I am a fan of the slow-burn romance.)
October Sales Donations
I will donate half my royalties from October sales to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. I hope you’ll purchase one or two of my books and help me support this worthy cause.
~ Lara
PSA – For more information and to reach out for help, visit @ndvh (Twitter), the Domestic Violence National Hotline (website), or 1-800-799-7233 (phone).
Lara Zielinsky 
The subject of domestic abuse was also an issue in my latest book. At one time I worked for the organization that runs the battered women’s shelter in our town, and some of the experiences there were included in the story. Following your example, I will donate half the royalties I earn this month to our local organization in support of the shelter.
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