Start By Believing

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While LGBTQIA+ people experience domestic, family, and sexual violence at similar rates, if not higher, than heterosexual and/or cisgender people, LGBTQIA+ people are less likely to seek support.1 This is because there can be a number of barriers (individual, interpersonal, social, structural barriers) for LGBTQIA+ communities to come forward (and sometimes come out) to access support and reporting.

 

 

 

Due to these challenges, we are shining light on the barriers to accessing support and reporting violence for LGBTQIA+ communities to:
•    Highlight the importance of responding with empathy; and 
•    Encourage you to Start By Believing if someone discloses an experience of domestic, family, and/or sexual violence to you. 

Understanding these barriers is a key step to showing yourself and your peers compassion if you are finding it difficult to reach out. Despite these barriers, we also emphasise that you are not alone and help is available. In recognition of the importance of trustworthy LGBTQIA+ specific / inclusive services, we have compiled a list of supports in Queensland and across Australia at You Are Not Alone.

Need Emergency Support?

If you are experiencing an emergency or need urgent support in relation to an experience of sexual assault or harassment, then you can call:

  • +61 7 3365 3333 UQ Security for on campus emergencies
  • 000 for immediate police or ambulance assistance 
  • 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 for 24/7 counselling support
  • Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) 07 3646 5207 for 24/7 Acute Response
  • External community support options in Queensland