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Kevin and Darren live in Portland Oregon and are a gay, committed couple. We believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all...regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, nationality, financial status, and being. Erase man-made borders and "they" become "we". New Site: HERE.Monday, September 27
London sees homophobic crime increase
[Ben Townley]
Attacks on London's lesbian and gay community have sharply increased over the last year, according to new figures from the Met Police. According to the capital's police force, homophobic attacks have risen by more than 10% in the last 12 months, with attacks including verbal and physical abuse.
Attacks rose from 1,365 in 2002 to 1,536 in the following twelve months the force says. However, it adds that the rise could be a result of increased confidence amongst the city's LGB community, rather than a spike in anti-gay feeling.
The Met says that a concerted effort to improve its relationship with the capital's gay populace has helped more crimes be reported as victims do not fear a homophobic response from officers.
In the past, lesbian and gay victims of crime could have been wary of the officer dealing with them and unsure about the force's stance on gay issues and homophobic in general, although a publicity campaign across the city and Pride festivals has helped dispel this image.
As well as working with the Gay Police Association (GPA) and non-police organisations to liase with the gay community, the force, along with others across the country, have also helped implement a third party reporting system for victims who are still too nervous to come forward and report their attack.
Officers are still keen to encourage more victims to come forward.
"We don't want to underestimate the impact homophobic crime has on people's lives," a spokesman for the Met said, calling for more victims to come forward.
Attacks on London's lesbian and gay community have sharply increased over the last year, according to new figures from the Met Police. According to the capital's police force, homophobic attacks have risen by more than 10% in the last 12 months, with attacks including verbal and physical abuse.
Attacks rose from 1,365 in 2002 to 1,536 in the following twelve months the force says. However, it adds that the rise could be a result of increased confidence amongst the city's LGB community, rather than a spike in anti-gay feeling.
The Met says that a concerted effort to improve its relationship with the capital's gay populace has helped more crimes be reported as victims do not fear a homophobic response from officers.
In the past, lesbian and gay victims of crime could have been wary of the officer dealing with them and unsure about the force's stance on gay issues and homophobic in general, although a publicity campaign across the city and Pride festivals has helped dispel this image.
As well as working with the Gay Police Association (GPA) and non-police organisations to liase with the gay community, the force, along with others across the country, have also helped implement a third party reporting system for victims who are still too nervous to come forward and report their attack.
Officers are still keen to encourage more victims to come forward.
"We don't want to underestimate the impact homophobic crime has on people's lives," a spokesman for the Met said, calling for more victims to come forward.
posted by jikido # 9:07 AM 
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