Homophobic Hate Crime

Research and statistics about hate crimes shows a disturbing trend towards most being committed by neighbours or other people living within a small area around the home. This is as true for the Gay and Lesbian communities as it is for the Transgendered population living in the United Kingdom. A similar trend has been borne out by research by "The Pink Paper" published on the 15th of March 2002. This research has been conducted independently by not only the transsexual movement and "The Pink Paper" but also by the Metropolitan Police. The more comprehensive survey conducted by the Metropolitan Police showed that 54% of those who have reported this crime to the police were subjected to homophobic hate crime within the small area around their own home. The survey also concluded that this is only a small percentage of this crime since in most cases it was never reported. The research carried out by the Transsexual community bears out this view. Most victims of hate crime felt that the way in which both the police and the courts dealt with it was to want to "make fun" of this crime, an attitude often perpetuated by the so called popular press.

Here in Wales, Transgender Wales is working with all four Chief Constables to ensure that the area where this type of crime has been committed is known to the relevant police service and in turn, highlighting to officers "on the ground" an awareness of Homophobic Hate Crime making it easier to bring offenders to justice.

The action being taken by Transgender Wales is in line with requests from both the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office. All four Chief Constables in Wales have made the same request.

Transgender Wales will support any member of the transgender community or their families who might suffer homophobic hate crime in numerous ways. These range from assisting those people to report the crime to ensuring that the police are aware of the nature of the crime and that of the victim of the crime, who may have grave concerns regarding reporting the crime, fearing a negative view of the victim of such a crime by the police. Transgender Wales is very aware that this is often the primary reason for hate crimes passing unreported.

Returning to the research of the Metropolitan Police survey, they were surprised to learn that much of the reported homophobic hate crime occurs in areas local to the victim's own home, mainly from youths and neighbours. This means the victim feels even more isolated.

One can decide not to go to a gay pub again, but one cannot make that same decision as easily about one's own home.

As a result of the research here in Wales, Transgender Wales is offering training to many organisations aimed at overcoming attitudes, which often deter many from coming forward to report this crime. It is also becoming clear that similar attitudes can be found in the courts since in many cases, perpetrators often walk free or receive derisory sentences.

The Metropolitan Police research did reveal some interesting, even shocking results in terms of "cottageing and cruising", both terms familiar to police and the gay community, since these did not appear to be a particular problem.

Transgender Wales seeks to make the matter of reporting Homophobic Hate Crime less stressful for those who have suffered or are suffering hate crime. They have contacts with the relevant police sections and departments who will ensure that the reporting of hate crime is taken seriously and the victims are treated sympathetically. This policy applies to all four Welsh police services. However, whether you report the crime to the police or not, please inform Transgender Wales about it and where it took place or is taking place in order that the police can be made aware, without naming people specifically, that in certain areas there are cases of homophobic hate crime which require monitoring and should appear in the policing plans for that area. It is extremely important that the police are aware of the problems facing the transgender community as it is for the gay and lesbian communities.

You might like to use our "Contact us" Form on this website to tell us of incidents of hate crime.

Transgender Wales is very well aware that it is also relevant in the workplace. Homophobic hatred can manifest itself in many ways, from defacing personal property through to bullying, both psychological and physical. The problems, which can arise in the working environment, can be identified and dealt with. To this end, Transgender Wales are working with trade unions that are against this kind of victimisation in the workplace and seek to actively prevent it in companies where there is union representation but they will also assist other companies.

Homophobic Hate Crime is not to be taken lightly. Over a period of time it can develop into very serious problems for those suffering it. It can lead to physical assaults, severe depression and even suicide. It has been known to affect the health of many individuals in recent years. It has also been seen as a major difficulty for those in the early stages of their "Real Life Test"; the period prior to gender reassignment (sex change surgery) when the person has started taking hormones and must start to live in their chosen gender. They have to conform to a new way of life, including all the inner turmoils caused by their medication, having to also suffer the strain of hate crime is unacceptable.

With their mind in turmoil, the result of many factors, not least the hate crime itself, much depends upon the sympathetic attitudes of the interviewer to secure a successful prosecution. Fear of meeting an adverse reaction or wrong attitude is one of the main reasons why many cases of homophobic hate crimes go unreported.

For this reason, Transgender Wales conducts awareness training courses, which are offered to the Police Services, the Department of Social Security and any other body, or company that feels it could benefit from such training. These courses are provided free of charge, such is our commitment to them. We do however request that any expenses incurred by the trainer are covered.

Each training course lasts for a period of forty-five minutes and covers some seventeen different but relevant topics. It examines items such as common thinking and misconceptions about the world of Transgender and Transsexualism and people's perceptions of the subject.

A further period will follow allowing the audience to ask questions of our trainer which is aimed at offering an even greater understanding.

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