Switchboard’s Sexual Harm Support Service is a specialist by and for service created to support LGBTQ+ people who have, or are, experiencing sexual harm. Sexual harm affecting LGBTQ+ people refers to any unwanted, non-consensual, coercive, or abusive sexual behaviour, experienced within the context of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

While sexual harm can affect anyone, LGBTQ+ individuals may face specific risks and dynamics linked to identity, stigma, and discrimination. Sexual harm may include a wide range of behaviours, such as rape or sexual assault, unwanted sexual touching, pressure or manipulation to engage in sexual activity, and situations where a person is unable to give informed consent (for example, due to intoxication, fear, or coercion).

It can also include sexual harassment, both in person and online, stalking with a sexual element, and image-based abuse such as the sharing or threat of sharing intimate images without consent. In addition, sexual harm may involve exploitation within relationships or networks, including transactional sex, abuse of power, or situations where someone is groomed or controlled for sexual purposes.

Within some LGBTQIA+ contexts, this can intersect with chemsex, (the use of drugs such as GHB/GBL, mephedrone, or crystal meth in sexual contexts) can increase vulnerability to sexual harm. This may involve an inability to consent, coercion, or exploitation, particularly where substances impact capacity or are used to control or pressure individuals. Our Sexual Harm Support Workers are here to provide a safe, accessible and identity affirming space to explore your experiences, create a safety and support plan with you, and help you begin to recover from sexual harm.