We welcome survivors of all romantic, sexual, and gender identities. We believe that all survivors are equally worthy of support and aim to support any survivor of sexual violence in a way which is inclusive, trauma-informed, and person-centred.
We recognise that members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience disproportionate rates of sexual violence and often face additional barriers in accessing support, such as fear of discrimination, fear of being outed, and mistrust in services due to public hostility towards the LGBTQIA+ community (particularly the trans community).
Our support practitioners will always use the name and pronouns that you feel most comfortable with. We will use the language you prefer when talking about what happened to you, including words to describe your body. We will never disclose your sexuality or transgender status without your permission nor focus unduly on your LGBTQ+ identity in support.
If there is anything that we need to do to help you to feel safe and supported in RCG, please let us know and we will try our best to make it happen.
If you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, you may be reluctant to report because of a fear of being discriminated against. The police have a duty under the Equality Act to not discriminate against people on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, and if you feel that you have been discriminated against then you have the right to make a complaint.
A worker at RCG can support you through the process of reporting if you feel this would be helpful to you. You can also make a third-party report through us or another agency, such as LGBT Youth Scotland. This means that you can anonymously pass on details about what happened to the police and help them to gather information.
Being raped because of your sexual orientation or gender identity is not only an act of sexual violence but is also a hate crime and should be treated as such.
Galop can offer specialist advice if you have experienced hate crime as an LGBTQ+ person. Tel: 0800 999 5428 (Open Monday to Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm, Wednesday to Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm)
It’s your decision whether you want to report what has happened to you to the police or not. You can report to your local police station (you can ask to speak to a female officer if this would make you feel more comfortable) by calling 999 in an emergency or 101.
As part of our promise to deliver the best possible support to anyone referred to us, we liaise with local and national LGBTQIA+ organisations to continue to learn and improve as a service. In 2020, we completed LGBT Youth Scotland’s Bronze-level Charter Mark.
LGBT Youth Scotland, together in consultation with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, developed this charter mark as a recognition of standards within organisations who are demonstrating commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equality.
We would welcome any suggestions on how we can improve our service for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Please email us
Other services supporting the LGBTQIA+ community
Four Pillars Provides a LGBT charity based in Aberdeen. Groups, 1-to-1 support, and befriending. Contact on 01224 211963 or visit the website here
LGBT Youth Scotland Groups and support via LiveChat for people aged 13-25. LiveChat open Monday and Thursday 18:00-20:00. Contact on 0131 555 3940 or visit the website here
Switchboard a LGBTQ+ helpline which is open 10:00-22:00 every day. Call 0300 330 0630 or go to the website for email or LiveChat options here
Scottish Trans Alliance is a trans rights and equality network project which aims to improve gender identity and gender reassignment equality. Call 0131 467 6039 or visit Scottish Trans Alliance here
Galop (National domestic abuse helpline for members of the LGBTQ+ community): 0800 999 5428. Open 10:00am – 17:00 on Monday to Friday and 10:00am – 20:00 on Wednesday to Thursday. For more details visit here
