Support services

Galop provides advocacy and casework support for LGBT+ people who have experience abuse and violence. Advocates and caseworkers work with clients, based on what each individual person needs. Our advocacy service specialises in supporting LGBT+ victims and survivors of domestic abuse, hate crime, sexual violence, and other forms of abuse including honour-based violence, forced marriage, and so-called conversion therapies. We are a service run by LGBT+ people, for LGBT+ people, and the needs of our community are at the centre of what we do.
 

Talking about abuse and violence can be difficult enough, without worrying that your identity, relationships, or what happened to you might be questioned or misunderstood. We are LGBT+ people working with LGBT+ people. We understand the range of orientations, gender identities and forms of expression, and relationship models within our community, and provide a welcoming space for all LGBT+ people. 

How can we help? 

Our advocates provide a range of services and work in partnership with other agencies so we can offer wide-ranging support to LGBT+ victim/survivors: 

• Advice and support to help you and others to be safer 
• Advice on your rights and options 
• Ongoing emotional support 
• Urgent help, including medical support, even if you’re not sure about talking to the police 
• Assistance and advocacy around navigating the criminal justice system 
• Information on safety and emergency housing options 
• Referrals or signposting to specialist or local LGBT+ services and organisations 
• Translation services are available to those who do not have English as a first language, and we can access a BSL interpreter if you are deaf / have a hearing impairment.

How do we work? 

Our services are empowerment-based, trauma-informed and person-centered, meaning we work with each person as a whole human being. This includes an understanding of intersectional identities and how anti-LGBT+ violence and abuse is experienced by people from diverse race, ethnicity, disability, faith and immigration backgrounds.  

We exist to increase choice and control for our clients. We offer a safe, confidential and informed space in which people can talk about what’s happened, think through their options, and get emotional and practical support in an informed and non-judgmental way. Our specialist advocates have a wealth of expert knowledge to help our clients to understand their options, make the decisions that are right for them, and provide support through their journey. 

What happens when I get in touch? 

• A caseworker will contact you to arrange a time to speak.  
• This first conversation is to find out more about you and your situation, so we can try to meet your needs in the best way. All information is confidential and kept securely. 
• We know how difficult it is to speak up about abuse and violence, so we aim to provide a safe, kind, supportive process that respects and validates you and your experience.