Self-harming high among gay women

THE first major survey conducted into lesbian and bisexual women's health in Scotland has found high levels of self-harm, discrimination and exclusion from routine testing for cervical cancer.

A total of 500 Scottish women took part in the Prescription for Change survey, which was conducted by the charity Stonewall.

It found that 20 per cent of lesbian and bisexual women in Scotland had deliberately harmed themselves in the last year, compared to 0.4 per cent of the general population.

The study also found that five per cent of lesbian and bisexual women have attempted to take their own life in the last year.

Those polled are also still not accessing vital cancer screening services, the charity said.

Calum Irving, director of Stonewall Scotland, said: "This report is a wake-up call for all those concerned with health in Scotland.

"For lesbian and bisexual women the experiences of prejudice, misunderstanding and at times hostility can damage long-term health and wellbeing."