Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.151

Challenges and Solutions in Providing Support to LGBTIQ+ Individuals

Dubravka Ergović ; General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Štampareva 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia; Association for the Improvement of Mental Health „Vrapčići“, Naselje A. Hebranga 6/30, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia *
Ivan Tomasić ; Association for the Improvement of Mental Health „Vrapčići“, Naselje A. Hebranga 6/30, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Josipa Erdeši Ćosić ; Association for the Improvement of Mental Health „Vrapčići“, Naselje A. Hebranga 6/30, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

In 2023, the Association for the Improvement
of Mental Health “Vrapčići” from Slavonski Brod
implemented the project “Through the Colors of
the Rainbow to Mental Health,” supported by the
Active Citizenship Fund with funds from Iceland,
Liechtenstein, and Norway. The project aimed to
strengthen providers of psychosocial services
and counselling for work with the LGBTIQ+
population. LGBTIQ+ people are invisible in society,
hide their identity, and, in the context of
pronounced violence and discrimination, lose
self-esteem, which leads to the development of
psychosocial difficulties. The project was particularly
important because in eastern Croatia there
is not a single association, movement, or service
focused on the protection of LGBTIQ+ people.
During the project, a study was conducted that
included adults from the general population over
18 years of age and aimed to examine knowledge, attitudes, and the level of violence against members
of the LGBTIQ+ community. The research
was conducted online using the Google Forms
tool. As the research instrument, a questionnaire
was used that covered the sociodemographic
characteristics of participants, questions about
knowledge of LGBTIQ+ topics, attitudes toward
LGBTIQ+ individuals, and the level of violence.
The collected data, responses from 201 participants,
were processed using Microsoft Excel
and SPSS for Windows 13.0. The average age of
participants was 31 years, and people of different
genders took part, including members of
the LGBTIQ+ population. The results revealed
important associations between knowledge of
LGBTIQ+ topics, attitudes toward LGBTIQ+ individuals,
and violence. A high level of knowledge
was associated with more positive attitudes and a
lower incidence of violence against LGBTIQ+ persons.
In addition, participants with a higher level
of contact with LGBTIQ+ individuals showed
better understanding and support. As part of the
project, a Protocol for Working with LGBTIQ+
Persons in the Provision of Psychosocial Support
was published. The protocol aims to ensure an
inclusive, supportive, and safe environment for
LGBTIQ+ people seeking psychosocial support, as
well as for those close to them. It sets out general
principles, explains terminology, and presents
legal regulations. Alongside the protocol, a brochure
titled “Health Care for LGBTIQ+ Persons in
Croatia” was issued, which provides a list of available
services and providers in the health care,
non-governmental, and legal sectors, as well as a
short glossary of LGBTIQ+ terminology.

Keywords

LGBTIQ+; psychosocial support; protocol

Hrčak ID:

352268

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352268

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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