Understanding Conversion Practices in the UK: A Study Exploring Conversion Practices Arising in Cases of Domestic and Sexual Violence and Other Forms of Abuse

This project will produce the first rigorous, evidence-based report on the forms and harms of conversion practices in the UK and their links with other forms of abuse, through an academic collaboration with Galop and Stonewall.

The Government’s commitment to ban these practices appeared in Labour’s manifesto and was reiterated in the King’s Speech. Yet civil servants and Parliamentarians report lacking robust data on where these practices occur, who is affected, and how existing laws fall short.

Some evidence, including from other jurisdictions, shows that ‘conversion therapy’ is often reported indirectly, for example as sexual or domestic abuse, which underlines the ongoing confusion about its forms and contexts.

Organisations working with the Office for Equality and Opportunity have also stressed that such data are urgently needed to inform lawmaking. Galop, the UK’s leading LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, does not have the in-house capacity to analyse its extensive and unique dataset from its dedicated, state-funded helplines and advocacy service. It is both appropriate and common for the civil service to rely on independent researchers working with frontline organisations to provide this evidence.

Working with Galop and Stonewall, this project will fill this critical evidence gap at a timely moment, feeding into legislation and improving long-term support for survivors.