Tuesday 23 February 2016

From Norfolk LGBT Project, Hate Crime & Reporting:

Hatred is a strong phrase that goes further than causing insult or resentment.

It is easy for us all to say no to homophobic abuse but how do you do it and what does it involve?
The only way to begin to tackle homophobic hate is to report every incident, if left unreported; the individual may suffer further attacks which could also result in serious hate crimes amongst the LGBT community.



What is the difference between hate crime and hate incident?

Hate crime is any offence committed against a person or property which is motivated by the offender’s hatred of people because they are seen as being different. You don’t have to be from a minority community to be a victim of hate crime.

A hate incident is any incident which may or may not constitute a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

As part of their commitment to the LGBT community, Norfolk Constabulary have dedicated Gay Liaison Officers, the role of the Gay Liaison Officer (GLO) is a voluntary position which is open to all officers and Police Staff across the organisation. Currently the Force has 11 volunteer Gay Liaison Officers from a diversity of operational and support roles, including Diversity, SNT, Special Constabulary, Investigation, Road Traffic and Contact & Dispatch.
The role of the Gay Liaison Officer is twofold:
To liaise with LGBT communities, support groups and organisations to increase confidence in the police and reduce the fear of crime, and to encourage the reporting of hate incidents/crimes.
To promote internal awareness of the needs of LGBT people, and act as a point of reference for the rest of the Constabulary on any related issues.

Officers and Staff carry out their duties in a variety of different ways committing a percentage of their duty time each month to this work. Some GLOs work primarily with the victims of hate incidents/crimes supporting individuals through the sometimes difficult and traumatic experience of reporting it. Other GLOs offer advice on policing services to members of the LGBT community on the Police Service in Norfolk. All engage with the LGBT community in a variety of ways, attending gay and gay friendly venues and events and through the local Gay Press.

To contact a Gay Liaison Officer please call our non-emergency number 0845 456 4567 (remember in a emergency always dial 999).






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