The Victorian Government is backing a new helpline to support LGBTIQA+ Victorians targeted by homophobic violence.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Equality Vicki Ward has announced the new service will be delivered by Switchboard Victoria through its Rainbow Door helpline, providing free and confidential support from trained LGBTIQA+ professionals.
“Everyone in Victoria is free to be who they are and love who they want. This new helpline sends a clear message to LGBTIQA+ communities – you are not alone,” said Premier Jacinta Allan. “We’re backing LGBTIQA+ communities with the care, compassion and dignity they deserve – and holding perpetrators to account.”
The service will give people with clear advice on their rights, how to report incidents to police, and connect them with medical, legal and counselling services – all in a safe environment. It follows a series of recent assaults where perpetrators used dating apps to target the LGBTIQA+ communities, particularly men.
The Government’s Anti-Hate Taskforce will also hear directly from LGBTIQA+ Victorians about the violent attacks in its next meeting – because everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and represented as we work together to reject hate in all its forms.
All Rainbow Door staff are trained in trauma-informed practice, ensuring survivors are supported with compassion and dignity, perpetrators are held to account, and individuals are empowered with knowledge and choice.
“Rainbow Door has long been a trusted service for LGBTIQA+ communities – expanding its reach to support people experiencing homophobic violence will make a real difference,” Minister for Equality Vicki Ward. “We’re working closely with community organisations to build a safer, more inclusive Victoria – where everyone is free to be themselves.”
Switchboard has worked with Thorne Harbour Health, Q+Law, Victoria Police and other community partners to build a strong support network. Referral options will also include the Victims Support Agency and sexual assault services.
The helpline builds on Rainbow Door’s existing mental health and suicide prevention support for LGBTIQA+ Victorians and is being delivered as part of the Government’s $4.8 million investment in the service.
It follows the Government’s broader reforms to protect the community including new anti-vilification and social cohesion laws passed in April, and new ‘posting and boasting’ laws to stop people sharing crimes on social media.
“Barriers to accessing support include the fear of not being believed, the fear of being blamed for the assault and the fear of losing control over who knows what has happened to them,” said Switchboard Victoria CEO Jenna Tuke.
“This situation is primed for victim blaming narratives, which are likely to compound the fear of being outed and exposed.”
The Rainbow Door helpline is available on 1800 729 367 – Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am to 5.00pm. For more information, visit: www.rainbowdoor.org.au for details.