Half Of LGBTQ+ Sexual Violence Victims Were Assaulted Because Of Their Identity, Study Finds
April 20, 2022The identity of an LGBTQ+ sexual assault survivor was found to be the reason for their attack in more than half of cases by a new study.
Almost 1,000 LGBTQ+ sexual assault survivors were surveyed by Galop as part of the research, with 53% believing their attacks were linked to, or the result of, their identity.
As Gay Times write, 1 in 5 victims never told anyone about their ordeal and, of the 82% of people who did share what they experienced with someone, only one in three had done so within six months of the incident taking place.
It was also determined that two-thirds (67%) of respondents experienced an increase in suicidal thoughts because of their assault.
Nearly a quarter (24%) of those who took Galop’s survey believe their attack was someone attempting to "convert" them from or punish them for their LGBTQ+ identity.
Sexual violence has a profound effect on victims, with the vast majority (85%) stating that it had a negative impact on their mental health and 77% saying it damaged their intimate relationships.
“I feel like being raped robbed me of years, it meant I didn’t transition until now and I cannot put into words how angry that makes me,” one participant told the charity.
Amy Roch, Deputy CEO of Galop, said: “Despite needing help, many LGBT+ victims are reluctant to approach mainstream support services due to concerns about anti-LGBT+ discrimination, negative experiences with statutory services in the past, or the risk of being ‘outed’ in the process.
“These findings highlight a pressing need for preventative measures such as proper education about LGBT+ identities and consent for the young people in our society, as well as specialist LGBT+ support which is genuinely accessible for these survivors so they feel confident in coming forward.
“We need to ensure that all sexual violence victims receive a fair and equal response, whoever they are.”
Read related myGwork articles here:
The LGBT+ Victims of So-called ‘Honour’-based Violence
1 In 4 LGBTQ+ Sexual Assault Survivors Believe Attacker Was Trying To “Convert” Them
Almost Half Of Gay And Bi Men Have Been Sexually Assaulted, Troubling Research Finds
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