Homophobic and transphobic hate crime:
What is a homophobic or transphobic incident?
"Any incident which is perceived to be homophobic by the victim or any other person."
This definition is used by all criminal justice agencies.
Are you, or do you know people who are being bullied, assaulted, harassed or verbally abused because you or they are lesbian, gay or bisexual?
Yes? Then this is a homophobic incident.
Are you, or do you know people who are being bullied, assaulted, harassed or verbally abused? Is it because you or they are transgendered, transvestite or intersex?
Yes? Then this is a transphobic incident!
Homophobic and transphobic crimes are usually motivated by the offender’s ignorance, prejudice or fear. Such hate crimes can have a serious impact upon the victim and their quality of life. Leicestershire Constabulary is committed to stamping out all crime motivated by hate and prejudice.
As well as working in partnership with the LGBT Community Safety Forum, TRADE – Gay Community Health Project, and the Leicester LGB Centre, Leicestershire Constabulary needs your help and assistance to achieve its aim.
If you or anyone else has been subjected to harassment, assault, bullying or verbal abuse, then please report the incident. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence and you do not need to provide your personal details if you do not wish to do so.
Why report?
Reporting incidents will provide valuable information to the police. Your information may contribute to the identification, arrest and / or prosecution of the offender.
Reporting incidents will allow patterns of behaviour and crime hotspots to be identified, allowing the police to target resources more effectively to reduce the incidence of hate crime and to promote safer communities.
Reporting incidents will assist in the development of projects with partner agencies to combat homophobia and transphobia in local areas.
What can I report?
Any incident where you believe you, or anyone, has been targeted because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered.
Any incident you know or believe was motivated by homophobia or transphobia; for example graffiti, harassment by neighbours, bullying in school or verbal abuse.
Domestic abuse, violence or aggression against someone by a family member, partner or ex-partner in an existing or previous relationship regardless of gender or sexuality, can also be reported.
How can I report an incident?
Visit your local police station
Telephone the police on 0116 222 2222
Use a self/third party reporting form – which can be obtained at police stations, Leicester LGBT centre, TRADE, health centres, libraries and gay venues or
Download a self/third party reporting form from the library section of this website.
Who can I talk to?
If you wish to speak to a police officer in confidence, telephone Leicester (0116) 222 2222 and ask to be put in contact with your local Hate Crime Officer. They have a 24-hour answerphone facility. If you leave a message always ensure you leave a safe address or telephone number where they can contact you.
You can also receive advice by contacting the Leicester LGB Centre on Leicester (0116) 254 7412 or TRADE – Gay Community Health Project on Leicester (0116) 254 1747. Both organisations have members of staff who will be able to help you.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
What to record?
If you have experienced a homophobic or transphobic incident, it is important that you record as many details as possible. You should try to record the exact details of the incident while it is still fresh in your mind. In particular, it is important to record the following:
The date, time, duration of the incident; for example, 09/01/2005 at 6.00pm to 6.15pm.
Where the incident took place; for example, in the street, at school or at your home.
Brief details of what happened; for example, if you were assaulted, what injuries were caused etc.
If the injuries involved graffiti, do not try to remove it. Record exactly what was written or drawn and report it to the police. If the incident included homophobic or transphobic abuse, record precisely what was said as soon as possible.
If you receive homophobic or written material in the post, try not to handle the material more than once because important evidence such as fingerprints could be lost. Make sure that you save any envelopes or packaging.
Details of perpetrator(s)
The following information may assist the police to catch the person/people responsible, for example:
The number of people involved.
Whether they were male or female.
Their approximate age, height, build, eye colour and ethnicity.
Any distinguishing marks such as scars, tattoos.
Their hair colour and style.
Any facial hair or the wearing of glasses.
Their clothing.
Any distinguishing accents.
Details of vehicles:
If a vehicle was involved you should record as much detail as you can; for example:
Details of witnesses:
It is important to include the name and address of anyone who has witnessed the homophobic or transphobic incident; for example, friends or neighbours.
A prompt response:
If you call the police to report an incident, ask for the incident reference number. A police officer will come to speak to you as soon as possible. Ensure that you obtain the police officer’s name and number. An investigating officer will always be appointed and you will be told who that person is.
