No one should ever be made to feel unsafe for who they are.

Galop exists to support LGBT+ victims of abuse and violence. At any given time, between 25% and 49% of victims in our adult services, and up to 65% of victims in our young people’s services identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.

We are devastated that the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic survivors we work with, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people across the country – particularly the South Asian community – are living in an incredibly heightened state of fear due to the violent racist and Islamophobic events of the past week.

From our work with victims and survivors, we know how profound and enduring the effects of abuse or violence that target the core of someone’s identity are.

Even knowing someone who knows someone that has been a victim of a hate attack can create vicarious trauma, make a person feel less safe, and change their behaviour as a result – reducing their freedom to live their lives.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people face racism every single day in the UK, and it has been allowed to grow, unchecked and unchallenged. The previous Government did not prioritise tackling hate crime, so we urgently call on our new Government to address the crisis that we’re facing.

If you feel unsafe, please don’t go through it alone. Galop is part of the Community Alliance To Combat Hate (CATCH) partnership, a group of charities working to end hate crime.

If you’ve been affected by racist hate crime, you can contact CATCH on catch@galop.org.uk or catch-hatecrime.org.uk/make-a-referral

CATCH can:

• Provide a safe space to talk
• Explore the options available to you
• Advise on your rights and how to use them
• Support you to report to police if you choose
• Give guidance on applying for financial compensation for victims of crime
• Provide practical advice to help you feel safe
• Help you access other support and services you need, such as counselling or housing

We are inspired by the display of strength in communities coming together to unite against racist hatred across the country, and we’re sending solidarity to you all.

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