LGBTQ+ anti-violence organisation, Galop, has launched a national helpline to provide advice and support to queer people who have been affected by anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and violence. According to Galop, LGBTQ+ people may feel discouraged from seeking support after experiencing a hate crime due to concerns about homophobia and transphobia in service provision, or fearing that non-LGBTQ+ led services will not fully understand the issues they face. The new helpline aims to aid this problem.
Statistics from the UK Home Office showed anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes have risen considerably over the past two years. A 2020 report found hate crimes against LGB people rose by 19% over the last 12 months, and those against trans people increased by 16%. Leni Morris, CEO of Galop, said the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to this rise: “Because lockdown makes households more easily identifiable in public, same-sex couples were subject to abuse when they were seen together. We saw situations with transphobic and homophobic neighbours escalate.”
Morris continued: “[After] Seeing what was happening to our community, [it was clear] we needed to offer a safe space for support and advice to those who need it”. The fully confidential hate crime helpline is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm. It is run by LGBTQ+ people, for LGBTQ+ people. It can be accessed by calling 020 7704 2040 or emailing HateCrime@galop.org.uk.
