Content warning: This story may include topics that could make some readers feel uncomfortable.

More than half (53%) of LGBTQ+ people in the UK have been subjected to sexual violence, research conducted by the charity found.

Survivors who sought support from services not tailored to the LGBTQ+ community often had bad experiences, with 22% of those who reported what happened to them dissatisfied by their experience.

“After the judgmental response I never went back and I haven’t accessed any support since then,” one told the charity.

Another said there were “times I felt like I was speaking a foreign language and had to explain some really basic stuff.”

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As such, Galop is launching a Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline to provide essential support to LGBTQ+ victims.

“We want LGBT+ victims and survivors to know that we’re here, we understand what you’re going through and help is available,” said Leni Morris, CEO of Galop. “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.”

House of Lords peer and LGBTQ+ rights activists Lord Cashman OBE added that members of the community have been “largely invisible” in conversations surrounding the impact of sexual abuse.

“When you’ve been through something as traumatic as sexual violence, 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,” he added.

Galop’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline is available Monday – Thursday from 10am – 8:30pm and Friday from 10am – 4:30pm. Contact the Helpline by phone on 0800 999 5428 or via email [email protected].