April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. People identifying as LGBTQ+ experience sexual violence at a higher rate than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. They are also more likely to be denied services due to anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.
You can help! Here are some ways:
- Believe survivors. If someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, believe what they’re telling you.
- Offer support. If you know someone who has been sexually assaulted, ask them how you can support them.
- Know resources. Organizations like the YWCA, Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline, and The Network/La Red can help. See below for more info.
- Address stigma and discrimination. If you witness homophobia or transphobia, speak up.
- Donate. Volunteer or give money to organizations that help LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual assault.
These are some resources for survivors of sexual assault:
YWCA Sexual Assault Crisis Services New Britain: 860-505-0469
Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence Crisis Hotline: 888-999-5545
The Network/La Red (tnlr.org) crisis hotline: 800-832-1901
The Anti-Violence Project (avp.org): 212-714-1141
