National Conversion Therapy Helpline launches for victims and survivors
Coinciding with the UK government's six-week public consultation on a conversion therapy ban, which kicks off today
Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: Pexels (posed by model)
A new National Conversion Therapy Helpline for victims and survivors is launching today (29 October 2022) from LGBTQ anti-abuse charity Galop.
Conversion therapy is a practise debunked by scientists that seeks to change, alter, suppress, or ‘cure’ an LGBTQ person’s orientation or gender identity. This kind of abuse can take a wide range of forms, including verbal, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse.
The helpline is available Monday-Friday 10:00am-4:00pm by phone (0800 130 3335), and via email at CThelp@galop.org.uk.
The news coincides with the UK government’s six-week public consultation on a conversion therapy ban, which kicks off today. To take part, click here.
New proposals for the law have sparked criticism and debate, as they permit LGBTQ adults to undergo ‘non-coercive’ talking conversion therapies if they are able to give informed consent.
A government document on the proposals states: “We recognise that some believe that an adult cannot consent to non-coercive and non-forced talking conversion therapies even when fully aware of the potential for being harmed; however it is the view of the Government that the freedom for an adult to enter such an arrangement should be protected. Our approach is in line with our international counterparts and precedent for similar issues.”
A Galop rep told Attitude there are concerns that the consultation and the debate around the legislation may prove traumatising for victims and survivors, which is why the helpline is launching now.
“For many victims, the repercussions are life-long”
Leni Morris, CEO of Galop, said: “Being LGBT+ is not a disease, and therefore there is no cure. What so-called ‘conversion therapies’ do achieve is serious psychologic and emotional, and sometimes physical, trauma to the victims and, for many victims, the repercussions are life-long.
“The conversion therapy ban is a step forward for our community, but we know that the spotlight it gives to these practices may cause pain and trauma to those who are experiencing these abuses right now, or have been through them in the past.
“We’re launching our National Conversion Therapy Helpline to support the community and ensure that there is a safety net for victims as this national conversation continues.”
All of Galop’s services are run by members of the LGBTQ community, providing a safe space for victims to seek help.
According to the Government Equalities Office’s 2017 National LGBT Survey, 5% of LGBT+ people have been offered or threatened with conversion therapy, and a further 2% have been put through such practises.
In May of this year, the Government outlined its plans to ban conversion therapy, three years after then-Prime Minister Theresa May first mentioned it.
For those wanting to support the helpline, there is a Crowdfunder open for donations to help support the costs of the service, as it is being set up with no dedicated funding. Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-fund-national-conversion-therapy-helpline to find out more.