Understanding the Service Needs of LGBTQ+ Survivors of Sexual Violence in Wales
RESEARCH PARTNERS
About the Research
We conducted a research project from October 2023 to March 2025 to better understand the barriers that LGBTQ+ people face in accessing sexual violence support services. We wanted to know how services may be adapted or developed to better meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people who have experienced sexual violence.
The project consisted of an online survey, and qualitative interviews and focus groups.
You can read our Key Findings and Recommendations, as well as further information on the research methodology, in the document below.
Webinars
In March 2025, we delivered a series of webinars on the research findings, with the aim of providing attendees with an understanding of the barriers LGBTQ+ people face in accessing sexual violence services, and the ability to describe what they could do to improve the accessibility of their service to LGBTQ+ people.
You can watch a recording of one of these webinars, below:
The Survey
The survey asked respondents to tell us about their views of the support services they accessed following experiences of sexual violence, or about what prevented them from accessing them. It took between10-25 minutes to complete, depending on how respondents chose to answer.
The survey was anonymous and any identifying characteristics were removed.
The Interviews
The interviews asked participants to tell us about their experiences of accessing support for sexual violence that happened to them, in more detail. They lasted for between 45 minutes to an hour and were conducted online and over the phone.
Survey respondents were invited to register their interest in taking part in an interview, at the end of the survey.
All interview participants received a £25 voucher, in recognition of their time.
The Focus Groups
The focus groups similarly asked participants to tell us about their experience of accessing support for sexual violence that happened to them, in more detail. Survey respondents were invited to register their interest in taking part in a focus group, at the end of the survey.
The focus groups were organised primarily be gender, and some were also organised by sexuality, according to the demographics of those who had expressed an interest in focus groups and participants were invited to register for the group, that aligned most closely and comfortably with their identity. All focus groups were conducted over zoom.
Focus group participants received a £25 voucher, in recognition of their time.
PROJECT PARTICIPANT SUPPORT
Accessing Support from the Research Partners
We know it can be really challenging to talk about experiences of sexual violence. Although participants were not asked to share details of any specific incident, or anything they didn’t want to, we knew it was possible that they might this hard. As such, participants were invited to refer themselves into, or contact any of the project partners at any point for support. Although project specific support, has now come to an end – you can still contact any of the project partners for support. You can find information about how to do so below.
Sexual Violence Specialist Support Across Wales
New Pathways is the largest sexual violence support provider in Wales. We provide a range of specialist crisis, advocacy, wellbeing and counselling services to adults and young people who have been affected by sexual violence.
You can read more about the services we provide, and make a referral on our website.
LGBTQ+ Specialist Support Across Wales
Umbrella Cymru works to advance gender and sexual diversity, equality and inclusion across Wales. We offer a range of specialist and flexible support services to LGBTQ+ people, their families, schools and communities.
You can read more about the services we provide, and make a referral on our website.
Support for Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in North Wales
www.steppingstonesnorthwales.co.uk
Stepping Stones North Wales provides free individual counselling, support, psychoeducational courses, and resources as well as group work to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. We also support family members, carers, and friends.
You can read more about the services we provide, and make a referral on our website.
PROJECT PARTICIPANT SUPPORT
Other Sexual Violence and LGBTQ+ Support/Helplines
Below are some other organisations and resources you may find helpful!
SURVIVORS UK
Survivors UK provides a national helpline, individual and group counselling for boys, men and non-binary people aged 13+ who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.
The Helpline is available as a webchat or by texting. Open Mon-Sun 12pm-8pm.
Text: 02033221860
GALOP
GALOP is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, specialising in supporting vicitms and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, honour based- abuse, forced marriage, so-called conversion therapies and interpersonal abuse.
The Helpline is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 8:30pm; and Fridays 10am to 4:30PM.
Tel: 08009995428
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Switchboard UK is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For anyone, anywhere in the country, to discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity.
Their support line is completely free, and available wherever you feel most comfortable – whether that’s on the phone (08000119100) via chat (switchboard.lgbt) or email (hello@switchboard.lgbt)
LGBT + Cymru Helpline
LGBT+ Cymru Helpline provides general information, advice and confidential support in many areas of life and various issues that LGBT+ people, their family, and friends may experience.
The helpline delivers counselling and psychotherapy to adults, children, young people and families who are part of and allied to the LGBT+ community in Wales, face to face in Swansea and online/telephone.
At present, LGBT+ Cymru Helpline is charging a fee of £35 per session.
Tel: 01792 316137
Email: Sam@LGBTCymru.org.uk
Live Fear Free Helpline
Live Fear Free provides help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
If you, a family member, a friend, or someone you are concerned about, has experienced sexual violence you can contact the helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free advice and support or to talk through your options.
Tel: 0808 80 10 800
Text: 07860077333
Email: info@livefearfreehelpline.wales
Live Webchat: on website
C.A.L.L Mental Health Helpline for Wales
C.A.L.L Mental Health Helpline for Wales provides emotional support and information/literature on mental health and related matters to people of Wales.
Anyone concerned about their own mental health or that of a relative or friend can access the service.
Their helpline is open, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Tel: 0800 132 737
Text ‘Help’ to: 81066
Contact us
If you have any questions about this research project please contact: enquiries@newpathways.org.uk
Note:
The Partners would also like to acknowledge the invaluable advice and support of our Advisory Group and Steering Group who helped shape the project from beginning to end.
LGBTQ+ People and Sexual Violence Research Project 