13:00, 02 February 2021
Words by Smiley Team, Staff Writer, London
Building on over 30 years of support for the queer community, anti-violence charity Galop launched a new helpline yesterday at the start of LGBT+ History Month, to combat rising levels of hate crime against LGBT+ people in the UK throughout the pandemic.
The telephone service offers a safe space to talk for those who have faced violence, abuse or harassment for being LGBT+. The charity will direct callers to local organisations that can help, offering advice for how to deal with hate crimes that include insults, intimidation, threats, online abuse or violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Dedicated to LGBT+ people across the whole of the UK, the helpline is open between 10 am and 4 pm, from Monday to Friday. Help is available by calling 020 7704 2040 directly or by emailing [email protected] to request a call back in order to avoid line charges.
Galop launched the new helpline, adding to their previous services for those facing domestic abuse, in response to worsening hate crime during the pandemic.
Figures published by the Home Office revealed that hate crime based on people’s sexual orientation rose by 19 per cent in the runup to October 2020 and hate crimes against trans people shot up by 16 per cent over the past year.
CEO of Galop Len Morris explained that this rise was partially down to individuals accusing LGBT+ people of carrying Covid-19, through an incorrect association with AIDs or because “the pandemic was seen by some as a punishment from God.”
She explained that with people remaining home in lockdown, LGBT+ households had become easier to identify making same-sex couples an open target for abuse. As LGBT+ meetings moved online, they have become subject to homophobic ‘Zoom bombings’.
Morris told Pink News: “Seeing what was happening to our community, we needed to offer a safe space for support and advice to those who need it.”
Conducting research and lobbying for the safety of LGBT+ people, Galop is one of the UK’s leading charities for the queer community.
To support their vital work you can make a donation via their website. Just £10 ensures another caller can receive advice on one of their helplines. £30 could pay for one hour of casework assistance. £50 helps support someone who has experienced domestic or sexual abuse to speak to a police officer and file a report. £150 supports the community outreach team to educate at least 100 LGBT+ people about their rights.
