Skip to content

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sexual violence

Information about the definition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) sexual violence, how to support the victim and the processes involved in supporting them.

The definition of LBGT sexual violence is:

"Any Sexual Violence where the victim identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Trans. The sexual orientation or gender identity of the perpetrator is not important."

Sexual violence is just as traumatic for LGBT people and whilst some of the physical and emotional effects will be the same as for any other person there are some additional factors to consider.

Key factors

Having to out themselves when reporting. In some cases repeatedly, for example to police, health professionals, during court proceedings.

Fear of being outed either unintentionally by police or service providers. Or intentionally by perpetrator to friends, family or work colleagues as an abusive tool, or in retaliation for reporting.

Fear of a hostile or insensitive approach by service providers. This can be either justified or not by previous experience or historical perspective.

Lack of specialised services, in particular for male victims 

Assumptions that sexual violence doesn't happen between people of the same sex, for example, that a woman can't sexually assault another woman.

Assumptions around what is normal sexual behaviour for LGBT people or that they were willing partners. If it is unwanted by the victim then it is sexual violence.

Fear of being ostracised from the LGBT community.

Physical damage to newly constructed genitalia for transsexual individuals. If someone has gone through the gender reassignment surgery it will have been a long and difficult personal journey to get to that point and beyond. If they are then subjected to sexual violence this can be extremely traumatic and may even result in permanent damage.

Sexual identity attacked - sexual violence that has occurred as a result of a person being LGBT. If the sexual violence has occurred because the victim was LGBT the individual may feel that their sexual identity has been attacked or blame their sexual orientation or gender identity and this may have an increased impact on coping.

Further information and advice for gay men is available.