Safe Passage in an LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirmative organization that helps all survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including children. They offer free and confidential safe shelter, counseling, court advocacy and more.
Sexual violence affects every demographic and every community –including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lesbian, gay and bisexual people experience sexual violence at similar or higher rates than heterosexuals. The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Projects (NCAVP) estimates that nearly one in ten LGBTQ survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) has experienced sexual assault from those partners. Studies suggest that around half of transgender people and bisexual women will experience sexual violence at some point in their lifetimes. The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey found that 47% of transgender people are sexually assaulted at some point in their lifetime.
As a community, LGBTQ people face higher rates of poverty, stigma, and marginalization, which puts us at greater risk for sexual assault. We also face higher rates of hate-motivated violence, which can often take the form of sexual assault. Moreover, the ways in which society both hypersexualizes LGBTQ people and stigmatizes our relationships can lead to intimate partner violence that stems from internalized homophobia and shame.
If you are experiencing intimate partner violence or are a survivor of sexual assault/violence and want support, contact Safe Passage for free and confidential services. Just call the 24/7 helpline at 208-664-9303. If calling isn’t a safe option, email them at safety@safepassageid.org (monitored 24/7). They also have a teen-specific Instagram where teens can direct message them with questions or concerns-@safepassageteen.
For more information about Safe Passage visit their website at https://www.safepassageid.org/
(sources Safe Passage and HRC.org)
