Galop, the LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity, has launched the UK’s first ever dedicated helpline to support LGBTQ+ victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
New research from the charity shows that over half (53%) of LGBTQ+ people in the UK have been subjected to sexual violence in their lives. Further research shows that over half of LGBTQ+ sexual violence survivors surveyed felt that their assault was wholly, or in part, linked to or motivated by their LGBTQ+ identity.
Galop also uncovered that survivors who sought support from services which weren’t LGBTQ+ specific often had bad experiences, with only 22% being satisfied by their experience of reporting what happened to them.
Leni Morris, CEO of Galop, said: “The launch of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline is a historic step forward in providing specialist support for our community. We want LGBTQ+ victims and survivors to know that we’re here, we understand what you’re going through and help is available.
“Any LGBTQ+ survivor calling us can be confident that their call will be answered by a fellow LGBTQ+ person, who is trained and experienced in working with survivors of abuse and violence. Our community has gone too long without this kind of nationally available support – that changes today.”
Galop’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline is available Monday – Thursday 10am – 8.30pm and Friday 10am – 4.30pm. Contact the Helpline by phone (0800 999 5428) or via email help@galop.org.uk.
