By Cassie Drochelman, M.Ed
75 Anti-LGBTQ+ bills were signed into law in 2023 and according to the FBI, there was a 32.9% increase in reported hate crimes based on gender identity. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that victim resources establish LGBTQ+ affirming policies and that effort is made to ensure that those who identify as LGBTQ+ are aware of the resources available to them.
Making Victim Advocacy More Inclusive
Traditional victim advocacy services often overlook the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ survivors of crime.
Negative interactions with victim resources deter LGBTQ+ survivors from seeking out services according to The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV-Affected Intimate Partner Violence report released by National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs.
Establishing more inclusive victim advocacy practices is a necessary step in ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals receive the support they need.
Training and Education- Advocacy groups and victim service organizations should provide comprehensive training for staff and the general public on LGBTQ+ issues, including the specific types of violence and discrimination these individuals face.
Policy Development- Developing and enforcing non-discrimination policies within advocacy organizations is crucial. These policies should explicitly include protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and outline procedures for addressing any incidents of bias or discrimination.
Collaboration with LGBTQ+ Organizations- Partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations can help victim advocacy groups understand the needs of the community better and provide more tailored support. These collaborations can also help in outreach efforts to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals know where to seek help.
Accessible Services- Ensuring that services are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, is key. This can include providing online resources, hotlines staffed by LGBTQ+ knowledgeable advocates, and support groups specifically for LGBTQ+ survivors. Making sure that LGBTQ+ services and policy information is accessible on an organization’s website can help individuals easily find safe resources.
Unfortunately, not every victim resource is inclusive and at times, it can be challenging to decipher which organizations have LGBTQ+ supportive services. Luckily, there are many dedicated resources that are leading the way for more inclusive practices.
The Trevor Project- A leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people under 25. The Trevor Project offers a 24/7 helpline, chat, and text services.
The Anti-Violence Project (AVP)- AVP works to end all forms of violence against LGBTQ+ people. AVP offers counseling, legal support, advocacy services, and a 24/7 crisis intervention hotline. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC)- HRC offers various resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including information and a service provider directory for legal, health, and safety services.
GLAAD- GLAAD works through media to promote understanding, increase acceptance, and advance equality. They offer resources for reporting hate crimes and support for victims.
Local LGBTQ+ Centers- Many cities have LGBTQ+ centers that provide support services, including counseling, legal aid, and emergency housing. These centers often have local hotlines and support groups.
By raising awareness of the unique struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community when seeking out advocacy resources and by actively working to make victim advocacy more inclusive, we can help ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals receive the support and protection they need and deserve. ____________________ Cassie Drochelman is an experienced victim advocate and educator who works for the VINE team under Equifax in Louisville, Kentucky. She has more than 15 years of experience in the movement to end intimate partner violence.