Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sexual violence

Sexual violence affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender can experience sexual violence in any setting or relationship. Sexual violence is always wrong, and the sexual orientation or gender identity of the victim or perpetrator does not change how serious it is.

LGBT victims and survivors face many of the same emotional and physical impacts as anyone else, but they may also experience additional barriers or concerns. Understanding these can help ensure they receive sensitive, safe and appropriate support.

What sexual violence can mean for LGBT people

Sexual violence against LGBT people can include any unwanted sexual act or behaviour. It may happen within same‑sex or different‑sex relationships, casual encounters, families, social circles, or community settings. If it is unwanted, coerced or forced, it is sexual violence.

Key considerations for supporting LGBT victims and survivors

LGBT people may face additional worries or pressures when seeking help or reporting what has happened. These may include:

• having to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity when reporting the incident, sometimes multiple times to different professionals
• fear of being ‘outed’, either accidentally by services or deliberately by the perpetrator to friends, family, colleagues or community groups
• concerns about how they will be treated by services due to previous negative experiences or discrimination
• limited specialist services, particularly for male or trans survivors
• harmful assumptions, such as beliefs that sexual violence doesn’t happen in same‑sex relationships or that LGBT people must have consented
• fear of judgement within their own community, including concerns about being isolated or not believed
• specific medical needs, such as the risk of physical injury to surgically constructed genitalia for trans people who have undergone gender‑affirming surgery
• feeling targeted because of their identity, which can deepen trauma and affect how they cope

Supporting LGBT people in Derbyshire

Local services in Derbyshire aim to provide inclusive, confidential and non‑judgemental support to LGBT victims and survivors of sexual violence. Professionals should respond sensitively, use appropriate language, avoid assumptions, and ensure that individuals feel safe to share only what they are comfortable with.

SV2 provide specialist counselling and advocacy support to anyone affected by sexual abuse in Derbyshire and Derby City.

Services offered:

• ISVA/ChISVA service (practical & emotional support / information on the Criminal Justice System)
• therapy / counselling
• holistic therapies
• face-to-face or remote support
• training and awareness sessions
• support for anyone affected by sexual abuse (they do not have to be a direct victim)

You can either make a self-referral or a professional referral.

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

Sexual assault referral centres are independent medical centres not linked to police. They offer a private, safe, discrete and caring environment designed for all survivors of sexual assault, including men, women, LGBT+, and children. These centres offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been sexually assaulted, abused or raped. They have specially trained doctors or nurses to care for you and make onward referrals for therapy, counselling and other support services.

They are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. For those not wanting to report to the police, self referrals are accepted.

In order to preserve any evidence that may be present it is vital that help from the SARC is accessed as immediately as possible after an assault. In addition, the SARC can advise on and assist with other medical needs.

In Derbyshire, the SARC provider for adults is Millfield House – SARC. For those under 18, the provider is East Midlands Children and Young People's Sexual Assault Service.

Further support

Derbyshire LGBT+ provides the county's only dedicated support for LGBT+ people, offering one‑to‑one support, youth groups, family services, community centres and sexual health resources. They aim to improve wellbeing and create an inclusive, supportive community.