Launch of UK’s first LGBTQ+ rape and sexual abuse helpline

Galop, the anti-abuse charity dedicated to providing support to LGBTQ+ people, who have suffered abuse, has launched the UK’s first ever rape and sexual assault helpline.

This move comes on the back of research undertaken by Galop, which showed that more than half of LGBTQ+ people in the UK had been subjected to sexual violence in their lives and almost a quarter believed that the assault was intended, to punish them for their identity.

A further motivation was the lack of satisfaction experienced by LGBTQ+ people in trying to access support from mainstream services, with victims raising concerns about being judged and having “to explain some really basic stuff”.

Leni Morris, CEO of Galop, highlighted: “Our community has gone too long without this kind of nationally available support – that changes today. We want LGBT+ victims and survivors to know that we’re here, we understand what you’re going through and help is available”.

Stonewall founder and LGBTQ+ activist Lord Michael Cashman CBE, rightly pointed out that whilst sexual abuse and the impact it can have on a person’s life has received much awareness, in the last decade “the queer community have largely been invisible in these conversations”.

As a solicitor specialising in sexual abuse claims, I know firsthand that there are challenges around seeking help.  Reporting or disclosing abuse takes courage and is often something that an individual will struggle with for a long time.  It may be hard for a survivor to accept that a crime has been committed against them and this is reflected in the hugely under-reported cases of sexual abuse suffered by LGBTQ+ people.

I welcome the launch of this much needed helpline and hope that it will reassure survivors of sexual abuse in the LGBTQ+ community that they are not alone, and the right support is available to allow them to come forward without fear of being judged, or disbelieved.