Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what demographic information has been collected on users of the Government-funded conversion practice Victim Support Service; and if she will publish anonymised annual breakdowns by (a) sex, (b) age, (c) sexual orientation, (d) transgender status, (e) ethnicity, (f) religion or belief, (g) disability, (h) region and (i) nationality or immigration status.

The Victim Support Service is a government-funded helpline and specialist support service that is available to anyone who is at risk of, is experiencing, or has been through a conversion practice.

Currently operated by Galop, the UK’s leading LGBT+ anti-violence charity, the Victim Support Service is confidential, non-judgemental and understanding in its approach, providing information, signposting and resources which aim to aid, inform and empower victims and survivors of conversion practices. The service is staffed by experienced and skilled call handlers who are aware of the numerous pressures and risks that users may be subject to.

All data that relates to the service, such as the data identified in the questions, will be made publicly available in an end of service report, covering the period of its operation in its entirety. This will be made available in due course, after the conclusion of the contract.

The total cost of the service per year, since 2022-23, is listed below.

We would recommend anyone who feels that they are at risk of, currently experiencing, or have been through conversion practices to contact the Victim Support Service, by calling 0800 130 3335, emailing [email protected] or using their livechat service at www.conversiontherapysupport.org.uk.