Support for the LGBT+ community
Come to our LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Survivors Wellbeing Group! Sign up here
Approximately 1 in 4 LGBT+ people will experience domestic abuse or sexual violence in their lifetime. LGBT+ people are far less likely to seek support for domestic abuse. There are many possible reasons why LGBT+ people are not reaching out including distrust of services and the fact that domestic abuse is generally represented within heterosexual relationships.
Our support is for anyone and everyone who is experiencing domestic abuse and/or sexual violence. If you live in Bradford, identify as LGBT+, and you need help, we are here for you.
LGBT+ people can experience domestic abuse like anyone else but there are additional ways LGBT+ people can experience it.
Does your partner or family member threaten to “out” you? Some people cannot be open about their sexuality or gender in all areas of their life and if a partner, ex-partner or a family member threatens to disclose this then that is abuse.
Is someone withholding your access to hormones or HIV medication (PrEP/PEP)?
Does someone stop you from accessing the LGBTQ+ community or groups?
Is a family member or partner deadnaming you, intentionally using the wrong pronouns or making you perform the wrong gender?
Is a partner or family member trying to convert you or “cure” you of your LGBT+ identity?
Does a partner not respect your wishes during sex or deliberately give you too much alcohol or drugs?
There are sedual abuse behaviours unique to those people who identify as LGBT+. These include:
- Corrective rape– rape aimed at changing sexual orientation
- Hate motivated sexual violence and harassment– targeting someone purely for their perceived gender or sexuality
- Conversion therapy– interventions which seek to ‘cure’ sexuality including (but not limited to) spiritual counselling, corrective rape and behaviour modification.
If any of this concerns you, you can speak to us- 0808 2800 999.
We support you with safety planning to keep you as safe as possible. Staying Put can help make your house as safe as possible with extra home security. If you need to think about moving we can help with housing options and access to emergency refuge accommodation. We will provide you with practical and emotional support each step of the way, either face to face or over the phone. If you want to be in touch with the police and legal system we will support you through this. If you need to go to court to get a legal order to keep you safe the advocate will be with you.
After 12 years of abuse, Emily finally had the courage to ask for help.
If you feel that you would be more comfortable speaking to a specific LGBT+ charity about your experiences then there are the following organisations:
Galop who run the national LGBT domestic violence helpline – 0800 999 5428, available Monday / Tuesday / Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm, Wednesday / Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm or email them on help@galop.org.uk.
LGBT Foundation – 0345 3 30 30 30, open 9am-9pm on weekdays and 10am-6pm on weekends, or email them on dasupport@lgbt.foundation.
LovingMe provide high quality support by trained specialists who understand the specific needs of the trans community as well as abuse and are a by-and-for service. Call 07902 478958 or email help@lovingme.uk
It’s not just you.
Did you know, thanks to Clare’s Law, you have the right to ask if your partner has an abusive past? Anyone can ask- whether something is off in your relationship or you are a close friend, neighbour or family member.
Call for help now
0808 2800 999
Open Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm (Closed for half an hour at lunch at 1pm)
Our One Front Door helpline is completely free and confidential, and the call will not show up on itemised bills.
Leave the abuse, not your home
"The day I rang for help [was] the day I realised it was time for me to leave...The day I was accepted [to refuge] I had my full life in four bin bags and some toys I managed to grab." Kayleigh.
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