Online hate incidents can have lasting impact.
Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity, is launching a new National LGBT+ Hate Incident Reporting system.
The reporting system will be available to LGBT+ people across the UK and is being commissioned by the Home Office. Galop, in a press release yesterday, said:
“Individuals who have experienced or witnessed a hate incident in the UK can now report it by completing a simple form online. Galop will then contact the individual to offer advice and provide information about support in their area.”*
Along with the reporting system, there will be a web chat service running seven days a week throughout the UK, which will “provide support to individuals experiencing violence and abuse including online homophobia, biphobia and transphobia”.
The UK Home Office defines domestic violence and abuse as:
“Any incident, or pattern of incidents, of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.”
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
• Psychological
• Physical
• Sexual
• Financial
• Emotional
Source: Stonewall
Research conducted by Stonewall found that that “one in four lesbian and bi women have experienced domestic abuse in a relationship [and] almost half (49%) of all gay and bi men have experienced at least one incident of domestic abuse from a family member or partner since the age of 16”.
There is still a limited amount of research on trans experiences, but a report by the Scottish Transgender Alliance “indicates that 80% of trans people had experienced emotional, sexual, or physical abuse from a partner or ex-partner”.
In the hours following Galop’s announcement, Greater Manchester Police revealed that they have become the first area in the UK to officially record domestic abuse in the LGBT community, as part of the Sitting Right With You campaign.
The force have logged over 150 incidents since the pilot scheme launched in June, meaning services like the one Galop is launching could be crucial in aiding those who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Gtr Manchester becomes first area of the country to officially record LGBT domestic abuse #D66 #SittingRightWithYou https://t.co/efghRLdpyf pic.twitter.com/2MiBIy41JU
— G M Police (@gmpolice) 10 April 2017
Galop’s Chief Executive, Nik Noone, said:
“We are delighted to announce the launch of this important national initiative to increase online reporting of LGBT+ hate crime, and improve online support for individuals facing LGBT+ hate crime in the UK.
“We especially encourage reports from those who have been targeted online, for example on social media. Online hate incidents can have lasting impact on individuals, but people often do not report or get support for fear that it will not be taken seriously.
“We are hoping that easy online reporting and support via web chat will help to address this.”
For more information visit: http://www.galop.org.uk.
* They will also gather any extra details needed to make a third party report to police via True Vision.