Galop, the national LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity, has launched an appeal in response to a 35% increase in domestic violence referrals during the winter period.
According to Galop, this winter, “thousands of LGBTQ+ people will have no choice but to return to homes where they once faced abuse, violence and rejection – where they were forced to hide their true selves”.
Statistics show that more LGBTQ+ people contact Galop about the fear of familial abuse over the festive period than any other time of the year. Some need urgent support to escape violence; others are seeking safety and support after the emotional toll of returning home.
- During the winter period, Galop sees a 35% increase in domestic violence referrals.
- Galop recorded a 121% rise in cases involving mental health needs or suicidal ideation in winter 2023 compared to winter 2022.
- This winter, Galop is expecting to see a surge of LGBTQ+ people seeking specialist abuse support, as they have seen for the past two winters.
Their winter fundraising appeal – ‘Home for the holidays, but not safe’ – is inviting the public to step into the shoes of an LGBTQ+ survivor and picture the fear of facing abusive homes alone.
Between November 11 – December 31, Galop will share stories of survivors who are preparing for a difficult winter, and how donations to Galop’s vital, life-saving services could mean the difference between fear and freedom for LGBTQ+ victims and survivors.
For LGBTQ+ people who fear returning to their abusers, or to places where they had to hide their LGBTQ+ identities, Galop can be a lifeline – offering emotional support, practical guidance and even emergency housing for those in immediate danger.
According to Galop, the stress of returning to abusive environments, coupled with isolation and financial pressures, significantly contributes to the rise in cases involving suicidal ideation and mental health needs.
Ben Kernighan, Interim CEO at Galop, shares: “The festive period is when our clients tell us they’re most fearful of returning home, and the abuse that may follow. No one should go through their darkest months of the year alone.
“This appeal will help Galop be there for every LGBTQ+ survivor when they take their first courageous steps toward support – support that offers a lifeline for LGBTQ+ people to be who they are and escape fear.”
Donations to the appeal could help provide emotional support from Galop’s specialist trained helpline advisors, and allow survivors to make their next steps to security and safety through one-on-one emotional and practical support.
And, in the most urgent cases, donations could help to provide emergency accommodation, clothes or goods for those escaping abuse with nothing.
To find out how you can help LGBT+ victims of abuse through winter, CLICK HERE