Gay helpline relaunched to tackle hidden problem
IT IS impossible to know the true extent of homophobic crime in Hastings and St Leonards because it is often not reported, campaigners claim.
Now a confidential helpline has been re-launched to offer gay, lesbian. bisexual and transgender people the support they need.
Political figures, plus representatives from the police, East Sussex County Council, Hastings Borough Council and other community organisations came together at Bar Blah on Monday to promote the Hastings and Rother Gay Helpline.
Sussex Police only record a handful of homophobic crimes in Hastings every year, but gay rights groups say the true level of this kind of crime is much higher, and hope the new service will provide a more accurate picture of hate crime.
Graham Hill, of the Sussex Hate Crime Service, said: "People have suffered as a result of who they are or what they are for years and just lived with it.
"Our message is you should not have to live with it. It is about saying to people: 'Do not suffer in silence, and we will do what we can to help you.'
"One of the problems at the moment is if you look at reported rates, Hastings has not got a problem with homophobia, but we know that is not true."
And PC Emma Snead said: "If people do not phone it in then we cannot do anything about it."
Political figures from across the parties pledged their support to the cause.
Conservative parliamentary hopeful Amber Rudd said: "It is a fantastic turnout and it is good to see so many political representatives here which confirms the fact everybody involved in trying to influence people's lives believe in tackling this issue."
And Lib Dem counterpart Nick Perry agreed. "One of the best things about tonight is to see so many different organisations working in partnership to ensure these crimes are reported and people receive the proper support," he said.
The helpline was first launched in 1987 but Ambrose O'Boyle and Roger Sweetman of the Hastings Befrienders hope the relaunch will give it new impetus.
Mr O'Boyle said: "This is the starting point. We know there is lots of homophobia out there - it is alive and well but we must make sure it is reported.
"We have got a culture in Hastings which is sufficiently mature enough to support people."
"But what I call organisational oppression, or heterosexism still exists - people make assumptions and there are no positive images of LGBT people.
"When the Government makes an effort it tends to be about box ticking, but we are determined to get our message out there."
The helpline is available on 01424 444777. Trained volunteers man it on Wednesdays, 7 to 9pm, and there is a message service at all other times which will be checked regularly.
Is homophobia more of a problem than is recognised? How does Hastings compare to other towns? Leave your comments below.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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