CAMDEN LGBT
FORUM
Camden Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Forum
HELP COMBAT HATE CRIME
Every year hundreds of rapes and thousands of attacks on Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals and Transgender people go unreported. Many do not feel safe or happy reporting crimes to the Police.
A homophobic or transphobic crime is one that you believe has happened because you are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender. To tackle these crimes all incidents need to be reported. Even if there is no chance of catching the perpetrators, the intelligence you provide can prevent other people becoming victims. Improving the services from the Police is a key part of the forums aims.
HOW TO REPORT A CRIME
By working with Camden Police the Camden LGBT Forum has been able to set up a specific phone line for reporting homophobic and transphobic crime. The phone line goes directly to the Community Safety Unit of Camden Borough Police in Holborn. The Police Community Safety Unit (CSU) is a group of specially trained Detectives who will investigate all allegations of hate crime.
The phone line is staffed by Detectives who are trained to deal with hate crimes and will treat your case seriously and in confidence. All hate crime will be investigated. The Police Unit exists in order to be supportive. If you find this not to be the case, you can contact the Forum.
If you're a victim of hate crime, report it. Call the LGBT Crime and Information Hotline on 0800 328 2509.
HATE CRIME: THE FACTS
• Half of Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals and Transgender people have experienced homophobic or transphobic harassment or violence in the past 5 years
• Less than 1 in 10 crimes are reported to the Police
• 34% of Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals and Transgender people feel unsafe in their home area.
• 67% of people do not go to the Police because they don’t think there was any point or that it wasn’t serious enough.
• 54% of LGBT people are too scared to hold hands with their partner in public.
TESTIMONIALS
“I lived happliy in my home in Camden Town for 8 years, then a new family moved in over the road - after months of abuse I was forced to leave my home” Gay Male, 42
“My friends told me that the Police wouldn’t listen. The officer I reported to was helpful and understanding and gave me advice on what the next steps were. I’m glad I made the effort” Bisexual Female, 23
“It’s only now I realise it’s as bad as racism - that was after 3 days in hospital” Lesbian, 57