We believe that everyone should have access to prevention and healing services and we strive to overcome some of the barriers that people who identify as LGBTQ face in seeking these services.
At Our Voice:
• We recognize that people who identify as LGBTQIA+ experience higher rates of sexual violence than cisgender and heterosexual populations.
• We recognize that LGBTQIA+ individuals often experience sexual violence as a hate motivated crime.
• We acknowledge and understand the barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ people in the helping sector (medical, legal, law enforcement, mental health etc.)
• We provide confidentiality, respecting individuals’ rights to privacy in relation to gender identity and sexual orientation.
• We are 100% victim centered and believe that people who experience sexual violence are not to blame.
• Our intake and counseling forms validate gender identity and we are open to feedback.
• You will not be refused services based on your gender identity or sexual orientation.
• We will assist you getting connected to other services that are also LGBTQIA+ competent and validating.
LGBTQ+ Resources:
The Trevor Project
Forge Forward
Love is Respect
Lambda Legal
Not AloneNational Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs
CDC-LGBT Health
National and Local Hotlines:
Our VOICE24-hour hotline: (828)255-7576
GLNH (GLBT National Help Center): 1-888-843-4564
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-799-7233
National Gay and Lesbian Youth Hotline: 1-800-347-TEEN
GLBT Youth Support line: 1-800-850-8078
The Trevor Project Helpline: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
Rainbow Youth Hotline: 1-877-LGBT-YTH
LGBTQ+ Communities and Sexual Violence
Many survivors identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). Unfortunately, the LGBTQ community experiences sexual violence at high rates. One study found that 13.2% of bisexual men and 11.6% of gay men were raped in adulthood, compared to 1.6% of heterosexual men. According to the CDC, 46% of bisexual women have been raped, compared to 13% of lesbians and 17% of heterosexual women. Another study found that more than 40% of transgender individuals had been sexually assaulted after the age of 13.
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