1 in 4 LGBTQ+ sexual assault survivors believe attacker was trying to ‘convert’ them
Sexual assault was used as a means of trying to change the identity of one in four LGBTQ+ respondents to a survey of survivors, Galop found.
Content warning: This story may include topics that could make some readers feel uncomfortable. The LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity’s study asked 935 members of the community who had survived sexual assault if they were subjected to it because they believe the perpetrator was attempting to change their sexuality or gender identity.
Almost 24% said they had, with this figure increasing to 34% for asexual victims, 32% for non-binary ones and 35% and 30% for trans men and trans women, respectively.
Leni Morris, CEO of Galop, said: “This is the largest study of LGBT+ victims of sexual violence in the UK to date, and the results we’ve found relating to conversion and punishment show that this is a significant and ongoing issue. “There are assumptions and stereotypes about victims of so-called conversion therapy, but our report shows this is happening to LGBT+ people of all cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.
