Eye On Wales: Monday 25 June
Homophobic hate crime
Monday 25 June at 6.32pm
(repeated Sunday 1 July at 6.31am)
Crimes against gays and lesbians in Wales are on the increase, but how often do offences come to the attention of the police?
It's estimated that as many as four out of five gay and lesbian people will be verbally abused, and three in five assaulted, at some time in their lives.
However, reports of such incidents to Welsh police forces, although on the increase, are thought to represent only the tip of the iceberg.
The Home Office estimates that around 90% of homophobic hate crime goes unreported, due to victims' fears of being 'outed' to family, friends and the community, as well as lack of confidence in how their case will be handled.
Police forces acknowledge the problem and are working with gay rights group Stonewall Cymru to encourage more victims to come forward. Meanwhile, Stonewall are lobbying for tougher laws to crack down on incitement to homophobic hatred and send out a clear signal to society that such bigotry won't be tolerated.
This week's Eye on Wales investigates the extent of homophobic hate crime in Wales, and reveals why some are calling for tougher laws to protect the gay community.
If you are affected by the issues in this programme, the following organisations and support groups may be able to help:
Cardiff Office, Stonewall Cymru, c/o EOC, Windsor House, Windsor Lane, Cardiff, CF10 3GE
Tel: 029 2023 7744
Fax: 029 2064 1079
Email: cymru@stonewallcymru.org.uk
Bangor Office, Stonewall Cymru, The Greenhouse, 1 Trevelyan Terrace, High Street, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 1AX
Tel: 01248 370082/ 0845 4569823
Fax: o7092 333962
LGBT Cymru Helpline is a free and professional caring service for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Wales aiming to counteract feelings of individual social isolation and strengthen connections between LGBT communities in all our areas.
They also provide information on LGBT services, and support LGBT families and friends.
Helpline: 0870 858828 (open Mon & Wed 7.00 - 9.00pm. Calls at 3.9p per minute)
Email: lgbtcymruhelpine@fsmail.net
Triangle Wales provides housing advice and support for LGBT people across Wales. Contact by Helpline: 0808 801 0306
Email: contact@trianglewales.co.uk
The Rainbow Group
Support and befriending for young gay people.
Helen Watkins, Suite 1, Portland Buildings, Commercial Street, Pontypool, NP4 6JS
Tel: 01495 750333
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