A report has just been published showing that one in five lesbians and gay men have been a victim of a homophobic hate crime. And three-quarters of the victims don’t report the crimes because they believe the police aren’t interested. The recommendations include better police recording regarding homophobic attacks (does that also include educating the cops on the seriousness?), and tackling bulying in schools.
Jacqui Smith has said she would ask a ministerial group to tackle the issue. So it seems like a further report of the report. Action speaks louder than words and on this it damn well should.
A friend of mine along with his boyfriend was physically attacked walking home one night. He reported it to the police and he told me that he wished he hadn’t the bothered because the cops didn’t show the slightest interest, no follow-up or investigation and I am sure that is echoed by many other victims of hate crime (including racist and misogyny).
The parent of Jody Dobrowski (he was murdered on Clapham Common in 2006 a victim of a homophobic attack), Sheri says:
“Homophobia is endemic in society. We cannot express this. No intelligent, healthy or reasonable society could”.
