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Anyone can experience abuse and violence but for LGBT+ people, violence and abuse often come in different forms that are directly linked to their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Abuse is always illegal and wrong. The Equality Act 2020 also makes it against the law to treat someone differently because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Prejudice (an unfair feeling of dislike) towards people in the LGBT+ community has improved in many ways over the years. However, it has also evolved and continues to impact the daily lives of LGBT+ people:
LGBT people are nearly four times more likely than non-LGBT people to be victims of violent crime
More than a third of LGBT+ people feel uncomfortable holding hands in public
Nearly 7 in 10 (68%) lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people have been sexually harassed at work.
Domestic violence/abuse is when a partner, ex-partner, family member of someone you live with uses control to have power over you. It can happen to anyone of any gender or sexual orientation, however, for LGBT+ people it often includes different elements of control that are linked to their identity.
For example, the abuser might:
Domestic abuse can be really difficult to deal with and to escape from. For LGBT+ people, domestic abuse can also make them question their sense of self, undermine their self-worth and reinforce internalised transphobia, biphobia and homophobia as they feel that they wouldn’t experience this violence or abuse if they weren’t LGBT+. This can make it even harder to get help.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, it’s important to remember that it is not your fault. You may feel that domestic abuse services are not for you or they won’t understand your situation as an LGBT+ person but there are specific organisations that can help you – Galop has an LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline which you can contact on 0800 999 5428
More about domestic violence
Sexual violence covers a broad range of acts including sexual harassment, rape and sexual assault. For an LGBT+ person it may also be directed towards their specific identity.
Sexual violence experienced by LGBT+ people, can be driven by prejudice against the LGBT+ community (homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and acephobia) but it can also be carried out by people inside the LGBT+ community and within same-sex relationships. This can make it harder to spot and get help.
If you’ve experienced rape or sexual abuse, you can contact Galop’s dedicated helpline on 0800 999 5428
Your sexuality and sexual orientation are unique to you – there is no “right” way of expressing your sexual orientation. Your sexuality is always valid. No one should ever try to coerce you or talk you into doing something you’re uncomfortable with by commenting on your sexual orientation. For example, “you’re not a real lesbian/gay man/trans woman/trans man etc, if you don’t like…”. Sex and sexual activity of all kinds should always be something you feel comfortable with and makes you feel good.
More about sexual violence
88% of LGBT+ survey respondents reported experiencing sexual harassment since the age of 18
It’s never okay for someone to make sexual comments, jokes or questions that make you feel uncomfortable, even if you think they don’t know any better. It can be hard to know what to do and you might feel that you just have to put up with it.
More about sexual harassment
An anti-LGBT hate crime is any behaviour that is motivated by a prejudice (dislike) of someone’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
1 in 5 LGBT people have experienced a hate crime in the last 12 months
Hate crimes include:
Hate crimes can be one-off incidents or may be a series of incidents. They can have a deep effect on the person experiencing hate crime. These crimes directly target the individual’s identity which can undermine their sense of self and impact on their mental health. They can have a physical impact on the person’s health or a financial impact if someone’s belongings are taken or they have to move house to avoid the attacks.
If you’ve experienced hate crime, you can talk to Galop on 0800 999 5428. They won’t force you to contact the police or report it but are there to support you with whatever decision you want to make. It’s always entirely your decision if you want to report it to the police and there is an option to report it anonymously through Galop. If you do want to report a hate crime, you can also contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30 or email helpline@lgbt.foundation
Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) LGBT+ people in the UK have been subjected to someone trying to change, ‘cure’ or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity
Conversion therapy, sometimes known as conversion practices, refers to anything that tries to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This might be attempting to force someone into being heterosexual (also referred to as straight) or living as the same gender they were given at birth.
This might include:
Often people are forced into conversion therapy by their family, community, religious leaders or healthcare professionals in an attempt to “correct” or “cure” them.
This pressure to “become” heterosexual or cisgender can leave the person feeling that they are unaccepted as they are. Sometimes the individual may choose conversion therapy for themselves if they experience pressure from others or feel their sexual orientation or gender identity doesn’t align with their values, religion or morals.
Conversion therapy is never okay, even if the individual says they want it. It’s not possible to change someone’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation because these are such important parts of who we are.
Conversion therapy is not currently illegal in the UK but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek help if this is happening to you or if your mental health or wellbeing is suffering from conversion therapy you had in the past. You can contact Galop’s Conversion Therapy Helpline on 0800 130 3335
Honour-based violence is similar to conversion therapy as the person is not accepted as part of their community who then use violence against them. With honour-based violence the community or family believe that the identity of the individual brings dishonour and shame upon the group. They may then use emotional, psychological and/or physical abuse and it could also lead to forced marriage or being excluded from their community.
You have the right to be respected for who you are. This means you are never to blame for any abuse or violence you experience.
LGBT+ people experience the same challenges that non-LGBT+ people face with reporting sexual violence and getting help but they also face more challenges. For instance, someone might not report abuse or violence or seek help because of:
You might feel that it’s just something you have to put up with but you have a right to receive help and support and to report it if you want it.
If you’ve witnessed abuse or violence directed towards LGBT+ people, it can be tempting to ignore it and not get involved. But there is always something you can do to support someone.
Visit Galop’s website for more information about LGBT+ abuse and violence
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