1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people have been sexually assaulted in LGBTQ+ venues, new data finds
Only 19% of people surveyed said they reported the incident to the police, though 74% say they told someone about their assault
By Gary Grimes
New research has found that one in five LGBTQ+ people in the UK say they have been sexually assaulted in a LGBTQ+ venue.
The research, conducted by queer health and wellbeing charity LGBT Hero, found that in a survey of 600 LGBTQ+ people, 21% answered that they had been sexually assaulted in some way in a queer space.
Two thirds (61%) of respondents said they have been touched sexually or intimately without consent in a social setting.
44% say they were assaulted by a stranger, whilst 31% said their perpetrator was a friend.
Only 19% of people surveyed said they reported the incident to the police, though 74% say they told someone about their assault.
The research is part of a new campaign by the organisation centred around consent and sexual assault. The campaign will also see the distribution of posters to venues across the UK raising awareness of this issue, social media ads, and a three-part podcast series on the topic.
The campaign also directly calls on LGBTQ+ venues to do more to tackle this issue, asking them to implement zero tolerance policies on sexual harassment and assault, and ensure mandatory consent training for all venue staff.
The organisation also suggests venues create visible reporting systems to support survivors and “encourage community accountability to challenge harmful behaviour”.
“Change isn’t just about awareness, it’s about action”
“LGBTQ+ spaces should be places of safety, but sexual assault and harassment are happening where we should feel protected,” said Ian Howley, CEO of LGBT HERO. “We have an opportunity to change this together.”
“We all have a responsibility to create an environment where consent is respected and survivors feel supported,” Howley went on. “Change isn’t just about awareness, it’s about action. That’s why we’re ready to work with LGBTQ+ venues, organisations, and community groups to create safer, more welcoming spaces for everyone.
“Our experience running the Lambeth Allies Programme in partnership with Lambeth Council has shown us that real change is possible when we come together to educate, train, and empower people to challenge unacceptable behaviour.”