Galop
Standing with LGBTQ+ Survivors
When we talk about support for survivors of abuse and violence, too often the experiences of LGBTQ+ people are overlooked. Galop exists to change that. Founded in 1982, Galop is the UK’s leading charity for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced abuse and violence. For many, it has become a lifeline - offering not just support, but also recognition, understanding, and hope.
Why Galop is needed
Abuse against LGBTQ+ people doesn’t always look like the stereotypes society imagines. It can take the form of homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia from strangers, but also domestic abuse from partners or family members, sexual violence, or so-called “conversion practices.” These experiences are compounded by stigma and fear of not being believed.
Too often, mainstream services have failed LGBTQ+ survivors - some have felt invisible, others have faced outright discrimination. Galop fills that gap. Its services begin with a simple but radical message: you don’t need to explain or defend who you are to be supported here.
The Galop Helpline
At the centre of this work is the Galop Helpline, a safe and confidential service for LGBTQ+ people experiencing abuse or violence. Whether it’s hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence, “conversion therapy,” or another form of harm, trained advisors are there to listen and support.
The helpline is free and open to anyone aged 18+ who is experiencing or has experienced abuse. Advisors are themselves LGBTQ+ people, trained and experienced in working with survivors. They will never judge or pressure you - their role is to listen, help you explore your options, and empower you to take the next steps that feel right for you.
How to get in touch:
Phone: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Webchat: accessible via the icon on Galop’s website
Opening hours (helpline):
Monday–Tuesday: 9:15am–8pm
Wednesday–Friday: 9:15am–4:30pm
(Closed weekends; daily break 1–2pm)
Opening hours (webchat):
Monday & Thursday: 10am–4:30pm
(Temporarily closed Tuesday & Wednesday; closed Friday & weekends; daily break 1–2pm)
Conversations usually last up to 40 minutes, providing survivors with space to discuss their experiences. Translation services are available for those who are more comfortable speaking in another language.
** timings accurate from August ‘25
Types of support
The Galop team is trained to respond to different kinds of abuse and violence, including:
Domestic abuse – Support for LGBTQ+ people currently experiencing abuse in relationships or families, and also for friends or family supporting a survivor.
Hate crime – A safe space to talk if you’ve faced anti-LBGTQ+ abuse, intimidation, threats, or violence.
Sexual abuse, rape, and violence – Guidance and emotional support for survivors of sexual assault, harassment, or coercion, whether in person or online.
Conversion therapy – Help for anyone experiencing (or at risk of) attempts to change or suppress their LGBTQ+ identity, as well as those still dealing with past experiences.
Survivors can expect to be heard by another LGBTQ+ person, treated with dignity, and supported to find ways to stay safe. Confidentiality is central: information is only shared if there is a serious risk of harm, and even then, the survivor is kept at the centre of decisions.
Beyond the helpline
Galop’s work extends beyond direct services. The charity advocates nationally for LGBTQ+ survivors, conducting research and advocating for systemic change. From documenting the scale of “conversion practices” to highlighting the rise in hate crime, their reports give evidence to what many already know from lived experience. In doing so, Galop pressures institutions - government, police, local authorities - to do better.
Why Galop matters
The need for Galop’s work has never been greater. Hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people are rising. Debates around trans rights are increasingly hostile. And many survivors still hesitate to approach mainstream services for fear of being dismissed or judged. In that context, Galop doesn’t just provide support - it offers validation and safety in a world that too often denies both.
At its heart, Galop tells survivors: You are not alone. Your story matters. Your safety matters. And for anyone who has ever felt silenced or invisible, that message can be life-changing.
