Every survivor of sexual violence deserves to be heard, believed, and supported. But for many LGBTQ+ survivors, getting the care and compassion they need is complicated by fear of discrimination, rejection, or misunderstanding.

At Clove Alliance, we believe that healing happens when survivors feel truly seen and safe. That’s why we’re committed to providing inclusive, affirming services to survivors of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. So, what does that look like?

Let’s explore why we shape support around the specific needs of LGBTQ+ survivors, what we mean by “safe and affirming”, and how we can all work together to support queer survivors.

LGBTQ+ People Face High Rates of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence affects people of all identities, but LGBTQ+ people are targeted for sexual violence at higher rates than straight people. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research shows 60% of both lesbian women and gay men reported experiencing contact sexual violence. The rate is almost 80% for bisexual women and over 56% for bisexual men. For LGBTQ+ youth, the statistics are just as alarming. Compared with their straight peers, queer students suffer significantly more instances of sexual violence, dating violence, and harassment compared to their straight peers.

Transgender people and gender diverse people face particularly shocking levels of violence. A survey found that almost half have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Compared to their cisgender peers, transgender people are four times as likely to be targeted for violent crimes like rape, sexual assault, and aggravated or simple assault, according to a 2022 Williams Institute report.

These statistics highlight that perpetrators choose to target vulnerable communities, including LGBTQ+ people, who are more likely to be burdened with discrimination, stigma, lack of family support, and homelessness.

Barriers LGBTQ+ Survivors Face

Violence is magnified by the fact that queer survivors may have a harder time seeking and getting compassionate, affirming support. Barriers include:

• Fear of being “outed”
• Feelings of shame or fear of social stigma
• Concerns about privacy and safety
• Past negative experiences with police, medical staff, or support services
• Lack of LGBTQ+ knowledgeable providers

These factors can isolate survivors when they most need connection and care. That’s why providers and community members must commit to creating safe, affirming environments!

What Does “Safe and Affirming” Mean?

A safe space protects people from harm, judgment, and discrimination. An affirming space goes further: it actively supports and celebrates people’s identities. For LGBTQ+ survivors, a safe and affirming space can include things like being called by your chosen name and pronouns, knowing your identity won’t be questioned or minimized, getting services from people who know the unique dynamics of LGBTQ+ relationships, and seeing queer people involved with providing services. It’s all about feeling welcome as you are.

Keys to Creating Safe and Affirming Spaces

Whether you’re a service provider, teacher, parent, or community member, you can help build affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ survivors are supported. Start with these principles:

1. Use inclusive language. Avoid assumptions about someone’s gender or the gender of their partners. When in doubt, ask—and respect the answer
2. Honor names and pronouns. Consistently using someone’s correct name and pronouns is a simple yet powerful act of affirmation.
3. Listen without judgment. Let survivors lead the conversation about their identity, experience, and needs.
4. Challenge bias. Educate yourself on LGBTQ+ issues, intervene when others express prejudice, and reflect on your own assumptions.
5. Provide visible support. Put up inclusive signage, share LGBTQ+ resources, and celebrate Pride—not just in June, but all year round.

Clove Alliance: Inclusive Support for Every Survivor

Clove Alliance provides free confidential counseling, advocacy, and legal services for survivors of sexual violence in Illinois’ Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford counties. Our approach is survivor-centered and trauma-informed, putting our clients’ needs and well-being first. It’s based on building trust and respect, which is the key to helping people heal. It also blends perfectly with our efforts to be a safe and affirming place for queer survivors!

We enthusiastically honor our pledge to the Kankakee Area LGBTQ Network to use practices and policies that uphold safe environments for all. Our staff is trained and committed to providing services that are:

• LGBTQ+ affirming – We celebrate queer people and are continually learning how identity impacts trauma and healing.
• Survivor-centered – You determine your path to healing, and support is tailored to you.
• Flexible and accessible – Services are available in person, by phone, or via video.
• Safe and welcoming – Our trained staff meet every survivor with respect, compassion, and care.
• Confidential – All services are 100% private. 

Whether you’re a survivor or supporting one, you are not alone. Call our 24/7 confidential hotline at 815-932-3322 or email us at [email protected] to learn more about how we can help.

Healing Is for Everyone

Every survivor deserves the chance to heal in a space where they are respected and affirmed—because no one should have to choose between being their authentic self and getting the support they need. Together, we can make that a reality.

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Resources for LGBTQ+ Survivors of Sexual Violence

• Clove Alliance: a sexual assault crisis center that provides a 24-hour crisis hotline (815-932-3322), legal and medical advocacy, and counseling for survivors. They also offer prevention education programs and training to the community. The organization supports all gender identities and sexual orientations. They serve Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford counties in Illinois. 
• The Kankakee Area LGBTQ Network: LGBTQ folks across the Kankakee area connecting for support and sharing resources. The Network hosts monthly meetups, provides community training, advocacy in our community, and continues to evolve. They also maintain a Rainbow Directory of safe, affirming, and LGBTQ centered businesses in our community, which Clove Alliance is proud to be a part of.
• The Trevor Project: Help and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. Hotline: 866.488.7386
• LGBT National Hotline: A call center that can direct people to more than 15,000 resources across the USA that support the LGBTQ+ community. Hotline: 888.THE.GLNH (843.4564) pen pals, weekly LGBTQ and Trans chatrooms for teens.
• CenterLink: An international member-based association of LGBTQ centers and other LGBTQ organizations serving their local and regional communities. Their directory helps users find local resources.
• GLSEN: A network of students and educators who form local GLSEN Chapters working to make sure LGBTQ+ students can learn and grow in safe schools free from bullying and harassment. Hotline 866.488.7386