Ben Bjarnesen
Ben founded LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day in 2020 and advocates for improved LGBTQ DV services after experiencing a service gap himself.
About this finalist
- Year: 2020
- Level: Finalist
- Award category: Human Rights Hero
About the 2020 nomination
Ben became an advocate for improved services for LGBTQ victims and survivors of domestic violence (DV) after discovering the gap in services himself when he experienced abuse within a same-sex relationship. In May 2020, Ben founded the inaugural LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day which aims to bring a greater awareness of domestic violence and abuse in these communities. He was inducted into the inaugural Queensland Government Domestic Family Violence Prevention Honour Roll this year.
About the Human Rights Awards
The Australian Human Rights Awards is an inspirational showcase of the best in all of us. The Awards honour and celebrate diverse human rights heroes and significant achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in Australia.