The role of social and professional support seeking in trauma recovery: lesbian, gay and bisexual experiences of crime and fears for safety

Abstract

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people are often victims of crime, hate crime or regularly fear for personal safety. Although very few LGB people report assaults or injury to law enforcement, many more are willing to seek counselling from mental health professionals. This article provides pilot data exploring the roles of multiple protective variables in reducing trauma symptoms, including willingness to seek counselling, among a UK sample of LGB victims of crime, who hate crime or who fear for personal safety. In addition to factors such as age and gender, results indicated that openness about one's sexual orientation, a willingness to seek counselling and family support were associated significantly with low trauma scores. These findings are discussed with respect to current developments in health service provision across the United Kingdom.