LGBTQ+ people experience sexual violence at higher rates than the general population, and face unique barriers when seeking help. You are not at fault. You are not alone. This page was built for you.
All lines below are free, confidential, and available around the clock. You do not have to report anything to call.
The largest anti-sexual violence organization in the US. Trained staff members provide confidential support and connect you with local resources. No pressure to file a report.
The nation's leading LGBTQ+ anti-violence organization. Counselors understand the LGBTQ+ experience and provide crisis support, safety planning, and help navigating the system without judgment.
Text-based crisis support for any situation, including sexual violence. Ideal when you cannot speak out loud or prefer not to make a phone call. Connect with a trained crisis counselor by SMS.
Staffed entirely by transgender volunteers. A peer support line for trans people in crisis run by people who understand from lived experience. No calls are routed to cisgender staff.
"Sexual violence is never the survivor's fault. No matter what happened, who it happened with, or how long ago it was. Coming forward takes courage, and so does simply continuing to live with what you experienced. Both are valid. This page exists to meet you wherever you are." QueerLine Resource Team
These barriers are real. Knowing about them helps you prepare and find the right support for your situation.
These organizations were founded specifically to serve LGBTQ+ survivors of violence and provide support that mainstream services often cannot.
The nation's only organization focused exclusively on transgender and non-binary survivors of sexual violence. FORGE provides direct support, safety planning, advocacy, and helps connect survivors with trans-competent local providers nationwide.
forge-forward.orgA survivor-led organization that works to end partner abuse in LGBTQ+ communities. Offers a hotline, safety planning, legal advocacy, support groups, and housing referrals. Spanish-language services available.
tnlr.orgSupporting men and boys, including gay, bi, and queer men, who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences. Offers anonymous online chat, a helpline, online support groups, and resources that address the unique stigma male survivors face.
1in6.orgWithin the LGBTQ+ community, some groups face additional layers of challenge. Find resources that speak directly to your experience.
Trans-specific advocacy, safety planning, counseling referrals, and a national resource database. The only organization in the US exclusively focused on trans survivors.
forge-forward.orgPeer support from trans volunteers. Call 877-565-8860 when you need to talk to someone who shares lived experience as a trans person.
translifeline.orgRAINN has a dedicated resource page covering considerations specific to trans survivors including medical exams, legal name/gender concerns, and finding affirming care.
rainn.org/articles/transgender-survivorsCentering Black women and LGBTQ+ Black people affected by sexual violence, with cultural competence and a justice-oriented approach.
blackwomensblueprint.orgProvides culturally specific services for Asian and Pacific Islander survivors of sexual and domestic violence, including LGBTQ+ community members. Bilingual services available.
apichaya.orgNational resource center for Latina and Latinx survivors of violence, with a 24/7 Spanish-language crisis line and services for LGBTQ+ Latinx community members.
casadeesperanza.orgCrisis support for LGBTQ+ young people. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat at TheTrevorProject.org. Trained counselors understand both LGBTQ+ identities and crisis situations.
thetrevorproject.orgRAINN maintains resources specifically for young survivors including school reporting guidance, dealing with abusers you know, and navigating parental involvement if you are a minor.
rainn.org resources for survivorsFocused on school safety for LGBTQ+ students. Provides resources and guidance when sexual harassment or violence happens in an educational setting, including Title IX rights for LGBTQ+ students.
glsen.orgOnline support groups, anonymous helpline chat, and a resource library specifically for men and boys who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences, including gay, bi, and queer men.
1in6.orgA community of male survivors and professionals providing support, information, and advocacy. Includes online forums and a professional referral network for finding therapists experienced with male survivors.
malesurvivor.orgA therapist who truly understands LGBTQ+ experiences makes a significant difference. Here is how to find one.
RAINN maintains a database of rape crisis centers and trauma counselors across the US. Search at centers.rainn.org and call to ask specifically if they have LGBTQ+-affirming staff before your first appointment.
Psychology Today's therapist finder at psychologytoday.com/us/therapists lets you filter for LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma specialty, and sliding scale fees. Use all three filters together for the best matches.
Our Telehealth Directory lists LGBTQ+-affirming providers you can access by video or phone from anywhere in the country, including mental health providers who specialize in trauma and sexual violence.
Cost should not be a barrier. The SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7) can help find low-cost or free mental health treatment near you. Open Path Collective at openpathcollective.org offers affordable sessions with vetted therapists.
If the first therapist does not feel right, try another. A good therapeutic relationship requires trust and compatibility, especially for trauma. Not every therapist who lists themselves as LGBTQ+-affirming has real experience working with survivors. Ask directly: "Have you worked with LGBTQ+ trauma survivors before?"
Reporting is a choice, not a requirement. Understanding your rights helps you make decisions that are right for you.
Free legal information and referrals for LGBTQ+ people on a wide range of issues including sexual violence, discrimination, and civil rights.
GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders offers legal help and referrals to LGBTQ+ people in New England and nationally on key civil rights issues.
Comprehensive guide to the criminal justice process for sexual assault survivors, including what to expect at each step and your rights throughout.
How you respond in the first moments after a survivor discloses can have a lasting impact. Here is how to help.
RAINN also has a dedicated guide for supporting survivors: rainn.org/articles/help-someone-you-love
Recovery is not linear, and it looks different for every survivor. These resources support the journey however long it takes.
1in6 runs free online support groups for male survivors. RAINN connects survivors with local and online support groups for all genders. No cost, no sign-up required for many sessions.
1in6 Online GroupsRAINN's After Sexual Assault guide covers what to expect emotionally in the weeks and months after, and practical steps for taking care of yourself through the process.
Recovery Guide at RAINNApproaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) are evidence-based treatments specifically developed for trauma survivors.
APA Trauma Treatment GuideIsolation is common after trauma. Local LGBTQ+ centers often run support groups, social events, and peer programs. Find a center near you and ask what peer support they offer.
Find an LGBTQ+ CenterRAINN's resources for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse address the distinct experience of processing trauma from earlier in life, often many years after the fact.
RAINN Childhood Abuse ResourcesSexual violence can affect relationships and intimacy in lasting ways. RAINN and the Anti-Violence Project both offer guidance on navigating relationships and intimacy as a survivor.
RAINN Relationships GuideConnect with services in your area including rape crisis centers, shelter, legal aid, and LGBTQ+ affirming counselors.
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