TACKLING HOMOPHOBIC HATE CRIME: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
THERE are many misconceptions regarding the impacts of homophobia in every day life. Although equality is progressing, there are still many prejudices towards members of the LGBT community across Manchester.
What is homophobic hate crime?
Hate crime is a criminal offence, usually violent, motivated by a prejudice towards a victim's sexual orientation.
Is homophobic hate crime still an issue in today's society?
Although LGBT equality is making headway across Manchester, homophobia is still present. Members of the city's LGBT community are still regularly subjected to a range of hate crime incidents which are primarily motivated by sexual orientation.
A number of homophobic hate crimes have been documented and publicised across media platforms during the past six months and this highlights the underlying threat of homophobia across the city.
What is being done to tackle homophobic hate crime?
In response to regular homophobic attacks across the city, there are a number of charities and organisations who stand proud in providing support to those affected and those at risk.
The LGBT Foundation is always on hand to help victims of hate crime and urge people to report homophobic incidents.
Prevention of homophobic attacks is key and the Village Angels, a support service set up by the LGBT foundation, set out across the Gay Village throughout each weekend to instil safety and security within the community.
Alongside charity-run organisations, GMP also play an active role in supporting and protecting Manchester's LGBT+ community.
By working closely with those affected by hate crime, GMP aim to encourage more people to report incidents across the city.
In order to improve the quality of support that victims receive, GMP also have a dedicated policing team for Manchester's Canal Street, a haven for the LGBT community.
Each year May 17th marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. By supporting initiatives such as this one, Manchester offers the LGBT community acceptance and comfort within their city.
What can you do to help?
In order to tackle hate crime across Manchester, it is important to understand the importance of reporting such incidents.
Name-calling, bullying, harassment, verbal abuse or physical assault towards a member of the LGBT community all constitute a hate crime motivated by sexual orientation and therefore should be reported to local authorities.
If you are a witness or a victim of hate crime, police can be contacted via a non-emergency line on 101 or the emergency line, 999. Incidents can also be reported online using the LGBT Foundation's secure web app.
