Back to Understanding Abuse in Different Communities
Abuse can affect LGBTQIA+ individuals in any relationship. It may also involve specific forms of control, shame or fear linked to someone’s identity and sexuality.
Source:
Henriquez NR, Ahmad N. "The Message Is You Don't Exist": Exploring Lived Experiences of Rural Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) People Utilizing Health care Services. SAGE Open Nurs. 2021 Oct.
These misconceptions can silence victims, minimise their experiences, or prevent them from seeking help.
Understanding the reality of abuse helps create safer communities where people feel supported and believed.
Fact
Partner abuse doesn’t discriminate. It occurs across all groups and communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, culture, age or background.
Source:
Galop: Myths and stereotypes about partner abuse among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) people.
Fact
UK research shows that over 1 in 4 gay men and lesbian women, and over 1 in 3 bisexual individuals report experiencing domestic abuse since the age of 16. Gay and bisexual men may be twice as likely to experience domestic abuse compared to heterosexual men.
Source:
Galop: ‘Myths and stereotypes about partner abuse among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) people’.
Fact
Transgender and non-binary people can and do experience domestic abuse. Research found that around 80% of trans people will be affected by domestic violence at some point in their lives.
Source:
LGBTHERO: ‘Domestic abuse and LBT+ women and non-binary folk.
Fact
Transgender people experience high levels of harassment and violence, including sexual violence. Research indicates that 62% - 73% of transgender people have experienced harassment and violence because they were identified as transgender. This included verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, physical and sexual assault.
Source:
Crown Prosecution Service: ‘Context and characteristics of hostility towards sexual orientation and transgender identity’
individuals reported experiencing sexual assault since the age of 18.
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may experience domestic abuse, research shows.
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will experience domestic or family violence in their lifetime.
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had experienced anti-LGBT+ violence or abuse
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had faced domestic abuse from a partner in 2018. This increased to 17% of black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT people.
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Sources:
Galop: Sexual Violence: A snapshot of those harming LGBT+ people, 2023. (1)
PSNI: LGBT Community (2)
PSNI: PSNI supports LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse Awareness Day to highlight hidden harm and encourage reporting, 28th May 2026 (3)
Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse: ‘LGBTQIA+ Community & Domestic Abuse’ (4)
stonewall.org.uk (5)
Support is available, and you do not have to face this alone. You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline for confidential support, information and guidance.
You may also find it helpful to explore specialist support services for LGBTQIA+ Individuals:
028 9031 9030
info@carafriend.org.uk
Cara friend are LGBTQ+ counselling, befriending, information, health and social services in Northern Ireland.
help@galop.org.uk
Galop works with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence in the UK.
028 9024 9452
tracey.mcdowell@hereni.org
Here NI support and services for lesbian and bisexual women in Northern Ireland.
028 9031 9030
info@rainbow-project.org
The Rainbow Project works to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and families.
028 9043 8316
info@nexusni.org
Provides counselling and support for survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence in Northern Ireland.
0800 0246 991
Rape Crisis Northern Ireland is a non-governmental organisation and support service for anyone who is 16 and over and has experienced serious sexual assault and rape in adulthood.
028 9040 1280
therowan@northerntrust.hscni.net
Regional Sexual Assault Referral Centre offering medical and forensic support to survivors.