Violence & discrimination

Compared to their heterosexual peers, LGBTQ+ teens may face a greater risk of discrimination and targeted violence – from bullying, teasing and harassment to physical and sexual violence. This leaves many LGBTQ+ youth feeling unsafe as a result of their sexual orientation. However, area resources are working to put an end to anti-LGBTQ+ stigma by standing up and speaking out against hate and intolerance.

Crisis hotlines

LGBTQ+ youth can connect with caring crisis intervention specialists 24 hours a day. Whatever challenges you’re facing, you are not alone. Help is just a phone call away.

Crisis Lifeline 

Call or text 988 (follow prompt to press “3” for a counselor specifically trained in supporting LGBTQI+ callers) or call (330) 452-6000 

LGBT National Help Center (for youth and adults)

1 (888) 843-4564

LGBT National Youth Talkline (for those 25 years and younger)

1 (800) 246-7743 (PRIDE)

National Human Trafficking Hotline

(888) 373-7888
Text 233733

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

1 (800) 273-8255 (TALK)

Texting Crisis Number

741 741

TransLifeline.org

1 (877) 565-8860

The Trevor Project

1 (866) 488-7386

Education resources

Movement Advancement Project

Find safe communities and learn about state policies throughout the U.S.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, Inc.

Northeast Ohio chapter information, news and updates.

Kaleidoscope Youth Center

Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth and their allies.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health

National health education resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBT People of Color

Find resources dedicated to addressing the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color.

Light House Youth & Family Services

Youth homelessness support for young people in Cincinnati.

Safe Zone

Comprehensive cultural competency training and technical assistance to service providers, community organizations and law enforcement agencies across Ohio.

Star House Columbus

Youth homelessness support for young people in Columbus.

Trans Ohio

Education and advocacy to promote and improve the health, safety and quality of life for transgender individuals in Ohio.

Help links

Battered Woman’s Shelter and Rape Crisis Center

Survivor resources for Summit and Medina counties.

CANAPI: Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative

HIV support services and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Equality Ohio

Find news, equality maps and information about issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Explore: Communities of Color

Learn about the unique challenges facing LGBTQ+ people of color.

GLAAD

Leading the conversation for LGBTQ+ engagement and activism.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) National Help Center

Free, confidential peer-to-peer support and resources.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland

Education, awareness, advocacy and support for the Northeast Ohio LGBTQ+ community.

META Center Inc.

A safe place where trans and gender variant youth can come and gain information and support.

OneEighty

Continuum of substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment services for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

RAINN

National network of local crisis centers for people who have experienced rape, abuse and/or incest.

LGBTQ+ support

COMPASS Rape Crisis

24/7 Confidential Hotline: 330-452-1111 Mental health, counseling, and case management services for all survivors of rape and sexual assault Confidential Hotline Hospital Advocacy Justice System Advocacy
Local law enforcement

Contact your local police department if you witness or experience a hate crime in Stark County.

Alliance Police Department

470 East Market St.
Alliance, OH 44601
Phone: (330) 821-9140
Dispatch: (330) 821-3131
Dispatch: (330) 821-3131
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Beach City Police Department

302 North Church St.
Beach City, OH 44608
Phone: (330) 756-2449
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Canal Fulton Police Department

1165 Locust St. S
Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Phone: (330) 854-2211
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Canton Police Department

221 3rd St. SW
Canton, OH 44702
Non-emergency: (330) 649-5800
Non-emergency: (330) 649-5800
Information: (330) 489-3100
Information: (330) 489-3100
Dispatch: (330) 489-3100
Dispatch: (330) 489-3100
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

East Canton Police Department

130 Cedar St. S
East Canton, OH 44730
Phone: (330) 488-9435
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Hartville Police Department

202 West Maple St.
Hartville, OH 44632
Phone: (330) 877-2500
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Jackson Township Police Department

7383 Fulton Dr. NW
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 832-1553
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Lawrence Township Police Department

5830 Manchester Ave. NW
North Lawrence, OH 44666
Directory: (330) 854-2096
Directory: (330) 854-2096
Dispatch: (330) 854-4114
Dispatch: (330) 854-4114
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Louisville Police Department

1150 West Main St.
Louisville, OH 44641
Phone: (330) 875-1607
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Magnolia Police Department

328 North Main St.
Magnolia, OH 44643
Phone: (330) 866-9434
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Marlboro Township Police Department

7344 Edison St. NE
Hartville, OH 44632
Phone: (330) 935-2338
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Massillon Police Department

2 James Duncan Plz.
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 832-9811
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Minerva Police Department

209 North Market St.
Suite B
Minerva, OH 44657
Phone: (330) 868-4177
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

North Canton Police Department

145 North Main St.
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 499-5911
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Perry Township Police Department

622 Genoa Ave. SW
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 478-5121
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Stark County Sheriff’s Office

Serving Stark County and Waynesburg.
4500 Atlantic Blvd. NE
Canton, OH 44705
Phone: (330) 430-3800
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Plain Township Police Department

Plain Township Police Department
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 430-3800
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Uniontown Police Department

1635 Edison St. NW
Uniontown, OH 44685
Phone: (330) 699-6444
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911

Wilmot Police Department

300 Massillon St.
Wilmot, OH 44689
Phone: (330) 830-4276
Emergency: 911
Emergency: 911
Physical & sexual health resources

CANAPI: Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative

HIV support services and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Canton City Health Department

STD testing and HIV counseling, testing and referrals.

Equitas Health

Supportive HIV/AIDS services for individuals in Carroll, Harrison, Holmes, Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties.

Planned Parenthood

One of the area’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care and sex education.

Talk to an ally

Ask an ally about helpful strategies for coping with violence and discrimination. Adults who display rainbows in their offices, wear pins to show their support, or have Safe Zone stickers are likely good places to turn. Learn about ways to find an ally or to become an ally yourself.