National violence and abuse helpline launched to support LGBT+ community across the UK
The service from the charity Galop will support a community where more than half of people have experience of attacks
Last updated 2nd Feb 2023
LGBT+ charity Galop, is launching the UK’s first ever dedicated helpline to support LGBT+ victims and survivors of violence and abuse.
Research carried out by the organisation shows that more than half (53%) of LGBT+ people in the UK have been subjected to violence in their lives.
And more than half of LGBT+ violence survivors surveyed felt that their assault was wholly, or in part, linked to or motivated by their LGBT+ identity.
The service will be available Mon-Friday on 0800 999 5428, or digitally (see full opening times and contact information below)
Current services not "LGBT+ specific"
Galop also uncovered that survivors who sought support from services which weren’t LGBT+ specific often had bad experiences, with only one in five (22%) being satisfied by their experience of reporting what happened to them.
Leni Morris, CEO of LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop, said: “The launch of the Helpline is a historic step forward in providing specialist support for our community. We want LGBT+ victims and survivors to know that we’re here, we understand what you’re going through and help is available.
"Any LGBT+ survivor calling us can be confident that their call will be answered by a fellow LGBT+ 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.”
When is the new helpline open?
Galop’s 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
Lord Michael Cashman CBE, said: “Over the last decade, abuse and the impact it can have on a person has received more awareness than ever before. Yet, the queer community have largely been invisible in these conversations. With that in mind, the launch of a helpline run specifically for LGBT+ people is groundbreaking.
“I am personally reassured that any LGBT+ person facing this kind of abuse will now be able to access this much-needed support. When you've been through something as traumatic as this, the help you receive should be centered not only around understanding what you've been through, but also a knowledge and compassion for your identity and all the aspects of yourself that make you who you are.”