Support for LGBTQ+

We provide support, advice and assistance to adults in the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse, and we deliver training to other professionals working with victims from LGBTQ+ communities.
Support for LGBTQ+

Our free, confidential advice and support services are open to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and non-binary people. Call us if your partner, ex-partner or someone you are living with is harming you.

We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can discuss the abuse you are experiencing in confidence, without fear of your sexual orientation or gender identity being shared.

Our team will work with you to provide support based on your circumstances and needs. They will support you throughout your journey to improve your safety and help you cope with the impact of domestic abuse.

Our team provides both emotional and practical support, including help related to mental and physical health, housing, social networks, finances, navigating the criminal justice system and keeping yourself safe. They understand the specific issues that are unique to the experiences of LGBTQ people which can sometimes make it hard for you to access support.

Free confidential helpline

Our helpline is run by highly trained and experienced domestic abuse advisers. They can offer you advice, information about local services and practical steps on how to keep yourself safe.

Female support worker answering a helpline call
Smiling Stop Domestic Abuse support worker listening

Support programmes

Safe accommodation

If you need to move away from an abusive situation, we can help you access safe, secure accommodation.

Gay man drinking a cup of coffee and smiling as he leans against the window of his flat
A one to one support session. No faces in view but we can see the hands of both women, one is holding a tissue

Community based support

Polari Programme

The Polari Programme is a 12-session, trauma-informed psychosocial group designed exclusively for LGBTQIA+ participants, offering a supportive space for learning, reflection, and connection. While not therapy, the programme is both therapeutic and educational, encouraging participants to share ideas, explore new perspectives, and build understanding in an environment grounded in respect, kindness, and confidentiality. Sessions cover topics including LGBTQIA+ identity; the impact of domestic abuse on sleep, mental health, wellbeing, and those around us; healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships; coercive control; trauma and triggers; communication, boundaries, and emotional awareness; self-esteem; and moving forward safely. Participants can attend the full 12-week programme or select individual sessions to suit their needs, with 1:1 sessions of 60–90 minutes. Handouts and optional reflective homework are provided to support continued learning between sessions.

  • Session 1: Introduction to the Program
  • Session 2: LGBTQIA+ Identity
  • Session 3: Shame, Negative Self-Talk and Impact on Sleep
  • Session 4: Exploring Healthy, Unhealthy and Abusive Relationships
  • Session 5: Understanding Coercive Control
  • Session 6: Understanding Trauma, Triggers and Building Resistance
  • Session 7: The Impact of Domestic Abuse on Those Around Us
  • Session 8: Understanding the Impact of Abuse on Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Session 9: Communication and Boundaries
  • Session 10: Understanding and Communicating Emotions
  • Session 11: Self-Esteem and Healthy Relationships
  • Session 12: Moving Forward Safely

Accessing our services

You can make a referral to any of our services – whether you’re seeking support for yourself or contacting us as a professional. Choose an option below.

Need support?

You can use our support request form to ask for help for yourself.

Supporting someone else?

Make a referral for someone you are working with.

Self help resources

Are you living with domestic abuse leaflet cover
Are you living with domestic abuse?
call-time-on-FGM
Call time on FGM
Domestic abuse happens to men too leaflet cover
Domestic abuse happens to men too
Domestic abuse happens to elders too leaflet cover
Domestic happens to elders too
Harmful cultural pracitces leaflet
Harmful cultural practices leaflet

“I would have died. You saved my life, you were constantly checking on me and doing everything that needed to be done. I couldn’t have done it without you.”