New measures announced – including £200,000 to support hate crime victims – after attacks in Birming

Birmingham’s Gay Village has recently seen a disturbing spate of violent hate crimes against its LGBTQ+ community, leaving many concerned about their safety.

In a statement from West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster, Councillor Ian Ward, and Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, they explained the steps being taken to protect Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community.

The statement reads: “The recent abhorrent, vicious homophobic attacks in Birmingham disgust the three of us in equal measure. For someone to be assaulted because of who they are or who they love is simply not acceptable.

“But hate will not win and our message to the homophobes is that they do not represent Birmingham, and they never will. Everyone has a right to feel safe on our streets, no matter where they are, day or night.

“West Midlands Police has increased patrols in and around the Gay Village and the PCC has commissioned a new £200,000 service to support victims of hate crime.

“Meanwhile, Birmingham City Council is providing free hate crime training to businesses at Southside venues as well as helping to develop a space open to anyone who may be feeling vulnerable when out and about...

“Whilst the West Midlands Combined Authority has been working with Southside Bid and other partners to look at issues such as CCTV and 24/7 public transport to improve night-time safety in the area.

“We’re a diverse city. We’re an inclusive city. We’re a city that says no to crimes like these.

“The message from us could not be clearer: We’re proud of our region’s diversity. We are proud of our difference. We all feel an unwavering duty to stand together, to root out these crimes and to bring the perpetrators to justice.”