LGBTQI+ support and safety

We know that seeking support for domestic or sexual violence can come with additional barriers for LGBTQI+ people. These can include concerns about being outed, discrimination or stigma, or uncertainty about how the law in your country may affect your safety. In some places, laws criminalising consensual same-sex relationships remain in place, meaning that seeking help or reporting violence may carry risks that are not present elsewhere. Equaldex provides information about the legal, governmental and community context for LGBTQI+ people around the world, helping you understand the landscape and make an informed decision about what feels safest for you.

You know your circumstances best, and there is no single right way to seek support. For some people, speaking first with an LGBTQI+ specialist service may feel more comfortable and provide a safer starting point than approaching a general domestic or sexual violence service. We have therefore worked to include LGBTQI+ helplines and hotlines from around the world, alongside specialist domestic and sexual violence services. Our aim is to give you options, information and choice, so you can decide what support feels right and safest for you.

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