New help for hate crime victims

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/8486079.stm

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A new service to help victims of hate crime has been launched.

Victim Support and Stonewall Cymru said the scheme aims to raise confidence in the police and courts with victims and witnesses of homophobic crime.

A £50,000 grant from the Equality and Human Rights Commission will see new staff and training for Victim Support.

Gwynedd councillor Andrew Hinchliff, who chairs North Wales Police's lesbian and gay liaison committee, said victims often suffered a number of attacks.

He said: "There's been a lot of evidence that, along with domestic abuse, homophobic abuse goes unreported.

"There's quite a lot of evidence that most people will take an abusive situations seven or eight or nine or 10 times before they will do anything, let alone go to the police."

'Harassment'

He said the new service aimed to encourage people to come forward as soon as they suffered abuse.

Kate Bennett, Wales director of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "It is a sad fact that many people still experience hate crime just because they are gay, lesbian or transgender.

"The commission is working with a wide range of organisations to tackle the scourge of hate crime.

"We recently announced an inquiry into harassment faced by disabled people.

"We are determined that, working in partnership with others, we can address this blight on people's lives."

'Support'

Gaynor McKeown, Victim Support's regional manager for Wales, said: "With more staff and volunteers we will now be able to give a more robust service to victims and witnesses of homophobic and transphobic crimes.

"It's essential that all victims have someone they can turn to for support, someone who will understand the issues and challenges they may face.

"Victims and witnesses need easily accessible help and support to suit their needs - that's why we've set up this new service."