LGBT+ Survivors
Our service is free, inclusive, non-judgemental, and confidential for survivors who have experienced sexual violence or abuse at any time in their lives.
Our Sunrise service is inclusive to women aged 18+ of any race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, or religion/cultural background. Our Unity service is inclusive to survivors aged between 12-18 of any race, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, ability, or religion/cultural background.
People of any gender identity or sexual orientation can experience sexual violence. We actively work in partnership with local LGBT+ organisations and communities to ensure our services are inclusive and accessible.
We understand that sexual violence experienced by LGBT+ people can be motivated by homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. It can be perpetrated by non-LGBT+ people or it can happen within LGBT+ relationships and communities. We know that sexual violence can have wide reaching impacts on LGBT+ people’s sense of self, identity, relationships, and community, as well as the individual impact of trauma.
We can provide support for all forms of sexual violence such as:
- Rape
- Childhood Sexual abuse
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual harassment
- Coercing, pressuring, or manipulating someone into having sex.
- Unwanted touching, kissing, or groping.
- Sexual violence motivated by LGBT+ prejudice.
- ‘Outing’ sexual orientation
We understand that you may experience barriers that can make seeking support more difficult, such as:
- Fear that if you seek support, people in your town may find out that you identify as LGBT+.
- Concerns about being discriminated against as a transgender woman.
- Being unsure of your gender identity/expression.
- Previous experience of discrimination and bias.
- Not wanting to jeopardise relationships with your LGBT+ community.
- Belonging to a religious or faithful community that does not accept LGBT+ relationships.
What you can expect from us
We will believe you.
We will listen to you.
We will support you.
- We offer a safe and confidential space for you to talk.
- Accessing support can take a lot of courage, you don’t need to give your real name or address.
- We will never discuss your sexual orientation or gender with another organisation unless you ask us to.
- We will not share your information with your family, friends, other services or contact the Police unless you ask us to. The exception to this is if there are child or adult protection concerns. We are required to share this information, but we will tell you wherever possible.
- Within our working week, we will always try to provide support at a day and time that suits you.
- We won’t forget how important trust and confidentiality are to you.
- Our workers are trained, and we have achieved our Gold LGBT Charter.
Male Survivors
For those who identify as male, if you are under 18 years old you can access our Unity service. If you’re over 18, have a look at our support for male survivors in resources and useful contacts.
The Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline is also available for all survivors of any gender, aged 13+.
Our support work is guided using an intersectional approach. This means that we acknowledge and seek to address the multiple forms of discrimination a survivor may have faced, such as homophobia, transphobia, sexism and ablism and how these intersecting inequalities can create barriers to seeking support.
If you would like to access support or find out more, contact us. You can also find links to LGBT+ services in our Useful Contacts.
