Homophobia
Putting a stop to homophobic crime
Targeting an individual or a group of people because of their sexuality is a crime - and one that Barnet Safer Communities Partnership (BSCP) is determined to stamp out in the borough.
Incredibly, an estimated 85% of homophobic crimes go unreported. The BSCP, working with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Network (LGBT) is working to encourage people to report incidents of homophobic crime by raising awareness of the issues and highlighting the support and advice networks available.
Homophobic crime can take many forms, including physical violence, bullying, threats, sexual abuse, blackmail, hate mail or verbal abuse. Whatever way it manifests itself, it can make life very difficult for victims. Homophobic incidents should be reported to the Community Safety Unit on 020 8733 4465, except in an emergency when you should call 999. For victims who would prefer not to involve the police directly, there are third party reporting sites
(PDF: 52KB) in the borough.
What is the LGBT Network and what does it do?
The Barnet LGBT Network (PDF 118KB) is a multi-agency focus group which was set up specifically to focus on issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of the community, and increase their confidence in the council and the police to help prevent incidents of homophobic and transphobic crime in Barnet.
Members of the group include representatives from the Safer Communities Team, the police, Barnet Lesbian and Gay Group (BLAGG), the Primary Care Trust, the Domestic Violence Support Service, London Probation, the Crown Prosecution Service, Victim Support, the youth service, environmental services and Barnet Homes.
For more information on the Barnet LGBT Network, call Trudi Sills on 020 8359 5623.
Email this pageLast modified by: Jayne Longstaff on 15/04/2008