Police are to hold an online question and answer session on the issues of domestic violence within gay relationships.
The 'webchat' is Leicestershire Police's latest attempt to uncover the scale of domestic abuse among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, (LGBT), community.
The online session will take place between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 8.
Detective Sergeant Jo Fyson, of the force's domestic abuse investigation unit and Meena Kumari, Manager of support service SAFE Leicester, will answer questions and offer advice.
Det Sgt Fyson said: "Domestic abuse violence is under-reported in all communities, but more so in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities than in the population as a whole.
"We are keen that people in these communities come forward to get the full range of support that we and our partners can offer, and find a long term solution for the situation they are in.
"We find that not everyone is aware of what abuse is.
"It isn't just violence, it is anything that involves an undue control, such as stopping you seeing your friends or taking charge of your finances."
Last month, the force launched a campaign to encourage abuse LGBT victims to come forward. Posters bearing the message 'domestic abuse does not discriminate – and nor do we' have been placed in bars and other venues across the city and county.
Meena Kumari, manager of SAFE Leicester, said: "There are a range of options available to anyone who is the victim of abuse.
"The webchat is one of the ways to find out about them, and should also be of interest to family and friends of people who are, or may be, victims of abuse."
To take part in the webchat, go to:
www.leics.police.uk
