On June 17, ABC 7 featured Justin Ortiz of our H.E.A.R.T. Program, who highlighted the importance of discussing and sharing resources for healthy relationships in the LGBTQ+ community.

According to a recent survey conducted by the H.E.A.R.T. Program—which stands for Healthy Equitable and Respectful Together—individuals have difficulties getting the help they need due to several factors. In order of prevalence, most respondents said these factors impacted them asking for help:

Lack of mental health services for prevention and intervention of intimate partner violence
Healthy LGBTQ+ intimate relationships are not being represented in the community
Isolation from family and friends’ support
Cultural/societal stereotypes (such as gender norm constructs)

Additional themes that emerged from the feedback included that intimate partner relationships were not as widely talked about in the community as cisgender or heterosexual abusive intimate partner relationships, and there is a generalized fear of seeking legal help.

H.E.A.R.T. offers resources to the community, including workshops for individuals to attend who are seeking help, and provides a comfortable space to share more information on building healthy relationships.

We invite you to view the 5-minute segment.

For more information about H.E.A.R.T., please call 408.840.7600, email heartprogram@fcservices.org or visit https://www.instagram.com/heartprogramsantaclaracounty/.