Domestic Abuse Support for LGBTQ+ People in Blackpool

Domestic abuse happens in LGBTQ+ relationships at least as often as in others, but it can be harder to spot and harder to talk about. Some people worry they won't be believed, or that services are built only for straight women. In Blackpool you can get help that takes you seriously, whoever you are and whoever is hurting you.

What abuse can look like

Domestic abuse isn't only physical violence. It includes:

• controlling who you see, where you go or what you spend
• constant criticism, threats or humiliation
• sexual pressure or abuse
• tracking your phone or messages
• threats to "out" you to family, work or friends
• telling you that you're not a "real" gay, lesbian, bi or trans person, or controlling your access to medication, clothes or transition
• abuse from family members, such as being thrown out or threatened for coming out

If any of this sounds familiar, you deserve support.

Get help now

• Emergency: call 999. If you can't speak, stay on the line and press 55 when prompted.
• Police non-emergency: 101.

Local services in Blackpool

• Empowerment is a Blackpool charity offering advocacy and support across the Fylde coast, including for people affected by domestic abuse. It holds the county LGBT inclusion Quality Mark, which means it has worked on making its service welcoming for LGBTQ+ staff, volunteers and clients. Call 0300 323 2100.
• The DEN, run by the same charity, supports children and young people aged 5 to 16 who have lived with domestic abuse, with weekly sessions and holiday activities. Call 01253 477959 (extension 3).
• Fylde Coast Women's Aid offers specialist independent domestic violence advisers (IDVAs), peer support groups and refuge. Call 01253 596699.
• Victim Support in Lancashire gives free, confidential help to anyone affected by crime: 0808 168 9111.

LGBTQ+ specialist support

Galop is the UK's LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. Its National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline is free on 0800 999 5428, or email help@galop.org.uk. It is open on weekdays, with longer evening hours on some days and webchat. It can talk through your options, help you plan for your safety and connect you with local services.

Men experiencing abuse

Gay, bi and trans men can find it hard to come forward. The Respect Men's Advice Line (0808 801 0327) and Galop both support men in same-sex relationships.

Sexual violence

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, the free 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is on 0808 500 2222. A Lancashire and Cumbria charity offers counselling for survivors of sexual violence of any age from four upwards, and it's listed in the county LGBTQ+ charity's directory. You can also ask the sexual health service on 0300 1234 154 for help, including emergency contraception and PEP.

Somewhere safe to talk

You can also start by talking to someone you already trust:

• the LGBTQ+ health charity on Dickson Road (01253 311431)
• the county LGBTQ+ charity's information line (07788 295521)
• Blackpool's LGBTQ+ inclusive church, which signposts people experiencing abusive relationships

Thinking about your own behaviour?

If you're worried you are hurting someone you love, the Respect phoneline is confidential on 0808 802 0321.

Safety tips

• If you're worried someone is checking your phone, use a friend's phone or a work computer to look for help.
• Keep important documents, medication and some money somewhere you can get to quickly.
• Agree a code word with a friend that means "call for help".

Phone numbers and opening times can change, so check before you go.