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

Author: Mick CoylePublished 2nd Feb 2023
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.”

Listen to KISS, KISSTORY and KISS Fresh on our free Rayo app, by hitting the play button on the bottom of your screen and on your smart speaker (‘Play KISS FM’, ‘Play KISSTORY’, ‘Play KISS Fresh’). KISS and KISSTORY are also available on DAB.