PCC Vera Baird backs iDAHoBIT
17th May 2016
International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHoBiT) takes place every year on 17th May.
It is a global celebration of gender and sexual diversities and the occasion marks the day in 1990 that the World Health Organisation officially removed ‘homosexuality’ from its International Classification of Diseases.
The day is now all about raising awareness of Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and to showcase success stories where a positive change has been achieved.
Northumbria Police support iDAHoBiT because no one should be targeted, attacked, discriminated against, bullied, harassed, abused simply because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
It is not acceptable; this type of behaviour is a Hate Crime and is illegal.
Chief Inspector Deborah Alderson from our Safeguarding Department said: “We are here to listen and we want you to report hate crimes to us.
“All hate crimes have a devastating effect, because a person is being targeted just for being themselves. You don’t need to speak directly to the police you can report to us online using our online 101 form, in confidence if you wish. Alternatively you can use the national True vision online hate crime reporting form or use a local “third party reporting scheme”.
“Or tell someone you trust and ask them to report on your behalf. Anybody can report a hate crime, so if you’ve witnessed something we also urge you to contact us. ”
The Force is currently working on a joint project with Newcastle City Council, MeSMAC & Be: Trans Support and Development North to promote IDAHoBiT.
The aim of the project is to highlight hate crimes based on a person’s gender identity and sexual orientation; the importance of talking about this and most crucially reporting this to the police or someone you trust.
Pictures, advice and videos have been posted across our Facebook and twitter accounts about hate crime showing people that we do not tolerate hatred and that everyone should be free to be who they are and express themselves however they wish.
IDAHOT is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. To show our support for the recognition of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, the force is flying the Transgender and Rainbow flags at police stations across the Northumbria Police force area, with the rainbow flag also being flown above Newcastle Civic Centre.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, said: “Absolutely no one should be victimised for being who they are and I am fully committed to ensuring that all communities are listened to here in Northumbria.
“Putting victims first and tackling hate crime are important priorities for me and I fully support this latest project which sees organisations coming together to make such crimes a thing of the past.
“I urge anyone who has experienced any abuse because of their gender or sexuality to come forward and seek help.”
Deputy Leader of Council, Cllr Joyce McCarty said: “We are proud to be working in partnership to support and raise awareness of hate crime on this internationally recognised day. It is crucial that we work together to encourage and support people to report hate crime. This type of crime can have a devastating effect on both individuals and communities leaving them feeling fearful, vulnerable and isolated. This is totally unacceptable and no one should have to experience this just because of who they are”
For more information on the campaign visit the Northumbria Police Facebook or follow Newcastle area command on Twitter at @npnewcastle , follow @May17IDAHoT for global updates.
Newcastle City Council information can be found on the Newcastle City Council Facebook or on Twitter at @NewcastleCC
For info & advice re reporting hate crime, inc specific info to access 3rd party reporting schemes in your area within our force such as ARCH or the national True Vision Hate Crime reporting site use:
Report Hate Crime – Hate Crime – Northumbria Police
For info regarding types of Hate Crime use:
Types of Hate Crime – Hate Crime – Northumbria Police
Connect with us on:
