Support for the LGBTQi+ community
If you are part of the LGBTQi+ community and have experienced crime, Victim Support Scotland is here to support you.
We offer free and confidential support that is free from judgement, and we can help you report a crime and navigate the criminal justice system. We can also provide you with emotional and practical support, especially if you feel isolated from friends and family.
You can call Victim Support Scotland on: 0800 160 1985. We also have a Webchat service available at the bottom of this page.
Estrangement from family members and friends is an unfortunate reality for some people who are LGBTQ+. Being disconnected from family members who are unable to accept you for who you are, can be extremely difficult. One survey found that 39% of LGBTQ+ adults had at some point in their lives been rejected by a family member due to their sexual orientation.
According to Akt, an LGBT homelessness charity, almost a quarter of young people who are homeless identify as LGBTQ+, with 77% stating coming out to their parents was a main reason why they left home.
Experiencing estrangement and lack of support can be even more difficult if a person has been the victim of a crime, prejudice or is suffering domestic abuse.
We take our equalities work seriously at Victim Support Scotland, as we know that certain groups are unfortunately affected by crime disproportionality compared the rest of the population.
Evidence tells us that LGBTQ+ people often experience crime more frequently, and that loneliness and estrangement from friends and family members is more prevalent at this time of year.
We have recently started a chartership journey with LGBT Youth Scotland to ensure our staff and volunteers have the knowledge and training to support people who are part of the LGBT community.
Staff and volunteers at Victim Support Scotland have gone through extensive training on LGBTQ+ and wider equalities awareness, allowing our services to be even better informed and giving reassurances to people coming into our services that we are here for them. Our Equalities Forum, which involves staff members and volunteers from across Scotland, has been a driving force for much of this work.
Help and support is available
There are a number of support organisations, including Victim Support Scotland, that can help support you if you have been the victim of a crime and are part of the LGBTQi+ community.
Akt – a homelessness charity for the LGBT community
Galop – an organisation that is trans inclusive and open to anyone from the LGBT+ community, including those who may be questioning their identity. You can contact Galop if you have been a victim of sexual violence, hate crime or domestic abuse. Their national helpline number is: 0800 999 5428 and email: help@galop.org.uk
LGBT Foundation – provides a wide range of support services to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. They also work with healthcare and other professionals to make public services more accessible and inclusive for LGBT communities. Call 0345 3 30 30 30 or email info@lgbt.foundation
LGBT Health and Wellbeing – help to promote the health and wellbeing of those who identify as LGBTQ+. Call 0300 123 2523.
LGBT Youth Scotland – Scotland’s national charity for LGBTI young people, working with 13–25 year olds across the country. Email: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk.
Mermaids – Mermaids supports transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families. Call 0808 801 0400. They also have a WebChat available through their website.
Respect Men’s Advice Line – A helpline for male domestic abuse victims. Call: 0808 8010327 or email info@mensadviceline.org.uk.
Scottish Women’s Aid – provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse. Call 0800 027 1234 or email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
Stonewall Scotland – Information and support for LGBT+ people and allies. Call: 0800 0502020 or email: info@stonewall.org.uk
Victim Support Scotland – supports everyone following a crime. Call 0800 160 1985.
