The Commissioner at the Warwickshire Police stand during Warwickshire Pride in 2018.
This Friday, 17 May, marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The day was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions and sex characteristics.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe is joining with Warwickshire Police to use the day to acknowledge, recognise and celebrate the diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity of its officers, staff and the communities served. Warwickshire Police will be flying the rainbow flag at its premises across the county, while the day will also be used to publicise the various channels available to report hate crime.
Promoting equality among communities and tackling discrimination are key parts of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan for Warwickshire, with projects to provide help and support to victims among the many activities being pursued to tackle hate crime. The Commissioner is a member of the Warwickshire Hate Crime Partnership, which brings together local organisations with a responsibility for community safety with the aim of boosting the confidence of victims to come forward and report hate crime.
The Commissioner giving the opening address at Warwickshire Pride in 2018
A key element of the Partnership’s work is the Report Hate Now campaign, which aims to bring forward to a wide audience the message that hate should never be tolerated and always reported.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “Absolutely no one should be victimised for being who they are, but sadly homophobia, transphobia and biphobia still exist in our community. Putting victims first and tackling hate crime are important priorities for me and I fully support Warwickshire Police’s positive engagement with the LGBT community.
“I too have been keen to celebrate diversity and promote equality and this year I am providing support to Warwickshire Pride to help to further promote this message. Discrimination because of who an individual is remains unacceptable and the effects of hate crime on an individual and their family members can be devastating. Everyone has a part to play in challenging unacceptable behaviour but together as a community we can drive home the message that hate crime will not be tolerated in Warwickshire.”
Anyone who has experienced hate crime or wants more information and advice should visit www.reporthatenow.com. The site provides customised support for victims and witnesses which can ensure that they get the help they need more effectively, while also offering direct links to report hate crime incidents to the police.
