A group of voiceless victims are being urged to break their silence and report incidents of abuse, harassment and crime.
Too few people are coming forward to report homophobic incidents in South Essex, according to a panel set up to raise awareness and deal with such crimes.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are being targeted but are not bothering to tell anyone. Across the Thames corridor 50 incidents were reported last year.
The Thames Corridor Focus Panel (Homophobia) is urging more people to speak out and help the police and their community partners address the issue.
The panel was set up after Basildon police identified that a number of incidents were occurring. Since May 199 monthly surgeries have been held with the aim of breaking down barriers and raising awareness that the police take homophobic incidents seriously.
The sessions take place at Colors Nightclub in Basildon and The Cliff public house in Southend which are both panel members.
Other members include Essex Police, Essex Racial Equality Council, Open Door, Man to Man Project, South Essex Switchboard, Transliving International and Victim Support.
Pc Andrew Meyer, the vulnerable persons and minorities officer, said: "There is a vast under reporting of incidents across the region. It is clear that people are being targeted and just not bothering to tell anyone. It is totally unacceptable to verbally abuse or assault a person no matter who or what they are."
Further information on the panel's work can be found at www.essex.police.uk/hatecrime
Published Wednesday October 30, 2002
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