Homophobia

Homophobia or Transphobia can be defined as prejudice or discrimination against those identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. Such behaviour is attributed directly to social intolerance towards those who are, or are perceived not to be straight.

The police use the following definition when recording a homophobic incident.

" Any incident which is perceived to be homophobic by the victim or any other person"

This means any incident (not necessarily a crime) which appears to be related to individual’s actual or perceived sexuality.

Prejudice and homophobic attitudes are still prevalent in the United Kingdom. Homophobic crime is largely unreported to the police. It is Hertfordshire’s policing priority to combat homophobic hate crime and target the perpetrators

The Police take homophobic incidents seriously and understand that this kind of crime can have a devastating affect on the individual. They are committed to giving all victims of crime a professional and sensitive service. They also understand that people experiencing homophobia may be reluctant to report a crime or incident because of concern over perceived police attitudes, the fear of retribution by offenders, or concern about their own sexuality becoming known.

All reports of homophobic/transphobic incidents will be treated in the strictest confidence. A Hate Crime Officer can explain this to you.

How to report a Homophobic / Transphobic Crime

You can tell the Police about a Hate Crime in several ways, including on-line reporting:

• In an emergency call 999
• Phone or call in to a Hertfordshire Constabulary police station
• Contact your local Hate Crime Officer
• Contact other reporting centres throughout Hertfordshire
• Online - Report a Hate Crime online.

See also: Hate Crime