First national survey to strengthen sexual violence prevention and support in LGBTIQA+ communities

The Australian Government has commissioned a world-first survey into LGBTIQA+ people’s attitudes and experiences of sexual violence, in partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

The aim of the national survey is to collect important information on how common experiences of sexual violence are amongst LGBTIQA+ Australians, and ways of preventing sexual violence and improving care and support for survivors.

The survey will build on the recently released Personal Safety Survey (PSS) 2021-22(Opens in a new tab/window) from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It will provide broader information on prevalence rates, social norms, attitudes, beliefs, bystander actions, and help-seeking behaviour in LGBTIQA+ communities.

A critical step in delivering the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is building a picture of the unique, intersecting and lifelong impacts of gender-based violence and abuse against LGBTIQA+ people.

The survey will importantly contain a dedicated First Nations component. It will collect de-identified data from LGBTIQA+ people in urban, regional, and remote LGBTIQA+ communities, including LGBTIQA+ First Nations Sistergirls and Brotherboys.

Findings from the survey will also be used to inform future actions under the recently released Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-25.

The survey is now live and can be completed on the UNSW website(Opens in a new tab/window).

Find out more

You can learn more about the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 and the Action Plans at Ending violence and abuse.

Any LGBTIQA+ person in Australia who has been impacted by sexual, domestic and family violence can access free and confidential support via the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via the 1800RESPECT website(Opens in a new tab/window) or text 0458 737 732. These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are concerned about your behaviour, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit No to Violence(Opens in a new tab/window) for judgement-free support.