Four Pillars and Rape Crisis Grampian (RCG) have teamed up to provide a joint group for LGBT+ survivors of rape and domestic abuse.
Plans for the group, 4Survivors, have been in the making since early 2020, but were delayed due to the pandemic.
The service was due to launch in April, but will now launch when Scottish Government guidelines allow.
Members of 4Surviviors will meet once a month in RCG offices and be able to access support from both Four Pillars and RCG staff.
It is hoped that this group will allow members of the community to feel comfortable in coming forward and discussing these traumatic events with others and provide a chance to build relationships and grow in confidence.
Deejay Bullock, community relations manager of Four Pillars, said: “We were approached by Rape Crisis Grampian about additional support needs for members of the LGBT+ community they were/are supporting.
“Through discussions it became clear that these members needed a dedicated space to be able to open up and share their stories with others who may have been through similar experiences.
“We are always pleased to work with other local organisations, especially when that forms a dedicated support package for members in our community such as this.”
Nicoleta Ciubotariu, depute manager at Rape Crisis Grampian added: “We want survivors to know they are not alone, and after discussing with Deejay, we agreed this group must happen as soon as possible so that LGBT+ survivors will have access to that much needed, tailored support.”
If you want to learn more about Four Pillars, Rape Crisis Grampian or the support group visit www.4pillarsuk.org or www.rapecrisisgrampian.co.uk
