What is hate crime?

Anti-LGBT+ hate crime is abuse or violence committed against someone because of their orientation or gender identity.  This can include:  

• Physical attacks 
• Sexually threatening or violent behaviour 
• Stealing or damaging your belongings 
• Blackmail, including demanding money not to ‘out’ you 
• Sending abusive or offensive messages 
• Verbal abuse, such as calling someone anti-LGBT+ names 
• Acting in a threatening or intimidating way 
• Encouraging others to target LGBT+ people

Know your rights 

You are entitled to:  

• Be treated fairly and with respect by any service you talk to 
• Have the police record anti-LGBT+ abuse as a hate crime 
• Have the police consider your opinion in deciding how to respond 
• Have information about your identity treated confidentially 
• Be called by the name and pronouns you ask them to use 
• Be kept informed about the progress of your case 
• Be offered other forms of support if you need it 

Should I report? 

You have the right to speak up about homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia, intersexphobia, or acephobia that you have experience to get it officially acknowledged or to get any help we need.  

Anti-LGBT+ abuse and violence are huge problems for our community and reporting can make a difference. Thousands of LGBT+ people choose to report hate crime every year and doing so is part of defending your rights.  

You may also choose not to report and you can still get support. If you are unsure whether to report or you are uncertain about what to expect if you do, you can talk to Galop. We can give you independent advice and help you pass on information anonymously if you choose. 

Speaking up can be difficult, but reporting makes a difference. You can tell the police directly or we can discuss your options and help with reporting. 

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