NO PLACE FOR HATE

THE RAINBOW PROJECT // NO PLACE FOR HATE FEATURE // NO PLACE FOR HATE

EVERY YEAR, THE PSNI RELEASES data on hate crimes on the basis of race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Offenses are recorded as hate incidents or crimes if the victim or witnesses believe the motivation is one of these things because of, for example, slurs shouted during the attack. The term “hate crime” can cover verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault and bullying, as well as damage to property.

According to the figures released in February 2020, eight hate crime incidents are reported each day in Northern Ireland. There were 272 incidents committed against people because of their sexual orientation in 2018-19. Transphobic incidents are at their highest level with an increase of 87% being reported. However, these figures don’t reflect the experiences of most LGBTQ people in Northern Ireland. Aisling Twomey is based in The Rainbow Project and acts as LGBT Northern Ireland Hate Crime Advocate. The Advocate’s role is to support people who have experienced violence, harassment or intimidation because of their sexual orientation or gender in reporting to the police and supporting them through the criminal justice process.

A hate incident is any act, gesture or threat that is perceived by the victim or a witness to be motivated by hate. For lesbian, gay or bisexual people this is homophobic hate and for transgender individuals this is transphobic hate. A hate incident does not necessarily have to qualify as a crime. The Advocacy service has been put in place to support victims who naturally and understandably are fearful of the consequences to themselves and the perpetrators of homophobic or transphobic hate incidents.

Aisling Twomey said “Over 64% of clients who have engaged with The Rainbow Project have been a victim of a hate crime but have chosen not to report it to the PSNI. They have told us they feel that it’s not serious enough to report, they are worried

they face possible Homophobia/Biphobia/ Transphobia from the PSNI or the fear of being publicly outed if they report it. But if these incidents aren’t reported then we cannot do anything about the harassment and more people will suffer. There is no place for hate in Northern Ireland. I want everyone to know that they are not alone and that support is available immediately after an incident or at any stage.

“If you feel an incident was directed to you because of your sexual orientation and/or gender identity, then I want to hear about it. It will be taken seriously by the PSNI and criminal Justice partners. As the advocate, I am training, advising and directing criminal justice partners around the specific barriers experienced by LGBTQ people in reporting to the police or accessing support. In this I provide case studies of victim’s negative experiences so that all criminal justice partners can learn from the faults of others and provide an equal service to all.”

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK which does not have specific hate crime laws. Instead, it relies on legislation which allows for increased sentences if offences are proven to be motivated by hostility.The Rainbow Project has played a key role in the ongoing judge-led review of hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland by Judge Desmond Marrinan.

“We want to ensure that the diverse experiences of LGBT people are considered for all of the recommendations arising from the review team and providing evidence for the need to create specific protections for gender and gender expression under the law. Currently there are no specific offences of homophobic, biphobic or transphobic hate crime. We want that to change. Currently hate crime against LGBT people is dealt with by the police and legal system by arresting or charging the perpetrator depending on the nature of the offence such as assault. We want that from the moment someone is arrested, that it is clear that the incident is motivated by hate, such as homophobic assault.

“We have pressed Judge Marrinan to consider current laws which are used to tackle online hate and harassment as we have seen a rise in gay men being targeted through GRINDR. Unfortunately, this matter is complicated by the fact the regulation of internet services is not a devolved matter to Northern Ireland and is managed through Westminster.

“There is absolutely no excuse for someone being targeted because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. I would encourage any person experiencing or witnessing violence or intimidation as a result of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity to report it! Hate crime is wrong, don’t suffer alone, come and speak to someone. Here are the different ways you can report incidents.

TELEPHONE If it’s an emergency where you need immediate assistance or feel threatened – CALL 999. For other incidents, then call 101. If you want to remain anonymous, you can call Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 or call The Rainbow Project to report on your behalf.

ONLINE PSNI - https://www.psni.police.uk/ makeareport TruVision - https://www.report-it.org.uk/ home LGBT Advocate, Aisling Twomey Telephone 02890 319030 Email – advocacy@rainbow-project.org