LGBTQ+ Survivors of Sexual Violence

Maine's sexual assault support centers are proud to support victims and survivors of all genders and sexual orientations. At AMHC Sexual Assault Services, we are committed to providing LGBTQ+ identified survivors with quality support across a spectrum of services.

We understand that dealing with the effects of sexual violence can feel confusing, frustrating, or lonely. We're here to help you navigate through the healing process following a sexual assault. It's important for you to recognize that you are not alone. Although sexual violence against LGBTQ+ people is significantly underreported, available data tells us that one in eight lesbian women and nearly half of bisexual women have been raped in their lifetime. Nearly half of bisexual men and four in ten gay men have experienced sexual violence other than rape in their lifetime.1 Rates of sexual violence against trans people are significantly higher, with most studies reporting that 50% of trans people experience sexual violence during their lifetime.2
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As an LGBTQ+ survivor of sexual violence you may have concerns specifically related to your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Your concerns may be related to the assault itself, but also may relate to your treatment in systems following the assault, from healthcare to legal to criminal justice. You may be dealing with:
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  • Fear that law enforcement, medical personnel, and counselors won’t be sensitive to LGBTQ+ issues or will instead focus more on your identity than the assault.
  • Fear of being outed within your community, your family, your coworkers.
  • Fear of not being believed or feeling supported.
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Even if you aren't sure about your experiences, our advocates are here to offer support and accompaniment to survivors and significant others impacted by sexual violence. This includes phone based support services, as well as assisting you, as needed, through medical and forensic exams, reporting to law enforcement, and navigating the legal system. We also offer support groups to help survivors and non-offending significant others throughout the healing process. Our gender specific support groups are inclusive. Specific all-gender support groups for LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence will be offered based on interest. Let us know if you would be interested in attending an all gender or LGBTQ+ specific support group.
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​Our agency received Safe Space Training to help create a welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence. We are committed to engaging in future training and educational efforts to ensure that we continue to best serve LGBTQ+ survivors. ​Find out more about the Safe Space training here. ​
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Sexual violence can take many forms. We're here to help, no matter what happened.
We can also work with you to connect you to additional support services you may wish to access, including confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing through the Health Equity Alliance, or connecting with a local peer support group through MaineTransNet or SAGE Maine. More information on LGBTQ+ specific statewide supports is available below.
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Tools

Finding a Therapist
Many survivors find therapy to be a helpful tool in their overall journey to healing, and we recognize that as a member of the LGBTQ+ community there are specific considerations you may have about identifying and connecting with a therapist. This tool, is intended to guide you through the process of locating and working with a trauma and LGBTQ+ sensitive therapist.

Finding a Medical Care Provider
Additionally we understand that identifying and visiting a knowledgeable and nonjudgmental medical provider is important to many LGBTQ+ survivors. This guide is intended to simplify the process of identifying a medical provider who is best suited to meet your specific health care needs. ​​​
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Know Your Rights

As LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence, you have certain rights throughout the process. You have the right:
  • To receive support from a victim advocate who can be present (at your choosing) during forensic examinations and any interviews by law enforcement.
  • To be treated with dignity and respect in regards to your gender identity and/or sexual orientation by all agency personnel. 
  • To ask questions of advocates throughout the process. 
  • To be called by the name and pronouns you desire by all agency personnel. 
  • To receive confidential services across the agency.
  • To file a grievance if you feel that staff did not provide competent, affirming advocacy services.
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are support groups gender inclusive?
    We affirm people’s stated gender and have been trained/have policies on what to do if other support group members attempt to police or are non-affirming of the trans person’s gender.
  • How will I be asked about my gender/sexual orientation?
    Our staff has not been trained to not make assumptions about gender or sexual orientation. At no point will you be required to declare your gender or sexual orientation.
  • Are your facilities gender inclusive? Are there gender neutral bathrooms available? 
    Yes, our facilities are gender inclusive and there are gender neutral bathrooms available onsite. 
  • What other resources are available to me as an LGBTQ+ survivor?
    ​Equality Maine works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the state through political action, education, and collaboration.​
    The Health Equity Alliance is a non-profit agency providing direct service and advocating on behalf of Maine's LGBTQ+ community, people living with HIV/AIDS, and people who use drugs.
    Maine Family Planning provides funding, technical support, and quality assurance to 45 health centers statewide, serving nearly 30,000 women and teens annually. 
    MaineTransNet provides support and resources for the transgender community, their families, and significant others, and raises awareness about the varied forms of gender identity and expression by providing training and consultation to health and social service providers. 
    SAGE Maine works to improve quality of life for older GLBT adults living in Maine through advocacy, education, and social support.
    Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence mobilizes collaborative community action with and on behalf of a statewide network of Domestic Violence Resource Centers to ensure that all people affected by domestic abuse and violence in Maine are restored to safety and that perpetrators are held accountable.​
    Pine Tree Legal has created a guide to changing your name and gender marker in Maine. This guide includes step-by-step information about how to navigate these processes in Maine and links to other helpful resources for navigating these changes in federal systems. 
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1. Stotzer, R. (2009). Violence against transgender people: A review of United States data. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 14, 170-179.
2. National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. (2011). Hate violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities in the United States in 2010. Retrieved from http://www.avp.org/documents