New Helpline Number for Broken Rainbow

April 2, 2009 in LGBT domestic violence

PRESS RELEASE

Date: April 2009
For Immediate Release

Broken Rainbow National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline Additional phone number:

0300 999 5428 (0300 999 LGBT)

Formed in 2004, Broken Rainbow runs the only UK lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans Domestic Violence helpline staffed by LGBT people for LGBT people. During periods of economic hardship, calls to all domestic violence helplines increase – this year especially.

Lesbian, Gay, bisexual and trans people experiencing domestic violence who call the 0300 number are charged at the same rate as calling standard landline numbers (01 and 02) even from a mobile phone.

The new number is currently running alongside the 08452 60 44 60 helpline number.

Rita Hirani, consultant CEO at Broken Rainbow, said, “Approximately 25% of calls received by Broken Rainbow Helpline are from mobile phones. For many LGBT people this is the safest method. We’re appalled that telephone services have sought to suddenly increase charges to ‘08xx’ numbers from national call rate to over 40pence a minute. Such a cost could actually prevent those living with violence from ringing us for help. An average call to our Helpline would cost a person in danger £16 which is unacceptable.”

Broken Rainbow are therefore currently running both numbers and the 0300 number has been added to reduce the cost for those calling from mobile phones.

–Ends–
Editor’s notes
‘Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and must count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls. These rules apply to calls from any type of line including mobile, BT, other fixed line or payphone.’

For more information about the 03 Telephone numbers please contact:
Ofcom switchboard 0300 123 3000
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/features/03feb

1 in 4 LGBT people experience domestic violence
Helpline: 08452 60 44 60, Mon 2-8pm, Wed 10-2pm, Thur 2-8pm.
Broken Rainbow LGBT Domestic Violence Service (UK) is a registered charity (no. 1103624)
Broken Rainbow is funded by the Home Office with some positions funded by the Nationwide Foundation.

The Rainbow Ribbon Campaign is to raise awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s experience of domestic violence. Rainbow and white enamel ribbons will be available for donations of £1 in various outlets UK wide. Wear the Ribbon. Break the Silence.

For more information about Broken Rainbow please contact: mail@broken-rainbow.org.uk
http://www.broken-rainbow.org.uk