Force tackles transgender issues

Transgender men and women often face victimisation

Transgender men and women on Merseyside are being offered new levels of support by police.

Merseyside Police has developed a new policy for its approach to issues affecting the community.

People are being urged to contact the force, in confidence, with any problems or issues they have.

Until now issues affecting the community are normally dealt with as part of the lesbian, gay and bisexual support work the police offers.

However, the force has decided transgender issues are "entirely different" and deserving of recognition in their own right.

'Duty to protect'

Sergeant Chris Wathan, from the force's community relations unit, said: "Some people in Merseyside suffer assault, harassment, verbal abuse or other hostility because of their actual or perceived gender identity.

"We have a duty to protect those in society who are vulnerable to such victimisation.

"All these incidents will be dealt with thoroughly, sensitively and confidentially.

"People who carry out such acts should be left in no doubt their behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

The new approach means officers will receive training in how to treat transgender men and women.

Members of the transgender community have welcomed the new approach.

'Proactive, positive'

Rebecca Dittman, who advises the police on transgender issues, helped draw the policy up.

She told BBC News Online: "As a transgender person I welcome any initiative to try to address the complex issues people like me face.

"Officers often have anxiety in dealing with people like me."

She said she felt the police were approaching the policy in a "proactive and positive way".

But added not all members of the transgender community had had the same experience.

"I would hope having a policy like this will make Merseyside Police more attractive," she said.