Police target homophobic crimes

A reporting form is available to download

Victims of homophobic crimes are being encouraged to come forward in a new initiative by Strathclyde Police.

The force has launched a poster and website campaign urging people to report verbal abuse, harassment and violent attacks.

Information will be taken by trained individuals who will then pass on the details to the police.

Campaigners welcomed the move as an important step towards increased safety for the gay community.

Strathclyde Police is rolling out the project, Don't Accept Homophobia, following a successful pilot in Glasgow last year.

Third party reporting is an important and innovative step towards challenging homophobia Eric Kay LGBT

Chief Constable Willie Rae said the campaign was a response to the under-reporting of homophobic crime.

Mr Rae said: "Victims can sometimes feel reluctant to walk into a police station.

"There are traditionally barriers which stop people reporting homophobic crimes whether victims believe there is an inability of the police to act, disclosure of personal circumstances or a perception of homophobia within the police."

Eric Kay, chairman of the Glasgow Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community safety forum said: "The forum is well aware of the impact and devastation which homophobic crime and incidents can have on victims.

"For many years members of the gay community have been asking for an initiative which will help improve their feeling of safety.

Increased reporting

"Third party reporting is an important and innovative step towards challenging homophobia by increasing reporting, raising awareness, fostering confidence and targeting perpetrators."

Since the pilot was launched in February 2002 there has been an increase in the number of incidents reported.

In 2001/02 there were 10 reported incidents, while in 2002/03 the number rose to 33.

To date this financial year - from April to October last year - there were 23 reported incidents.