‘We have got to stamp out homophobic hate crime’

Feb 4 2010 by David Powell, North Wales Weekly News

A GAY rights campaigner has told of the emotional trauma endured by victims of homophobic crime at the launch of a campaign to highlight the issue

Andrew Hinchliff was speaking as the campaign, called It’s No Joke, was unveiled by Victim Support and Stonewall Cymru.

Mr Hinchliff, 60, of Llanfairfechan, said: “I was raising money for the Rotary Club on a street in Llanfairfechan when a few teenagers made a homophobic remark to me.

“I’ve worked my butt off for the community for 40 years, and they left me feeling like a piece of dirt.

“It hurt and left me feeling low for the rest of the day. It can be as debilitating as the result of any crime can.

“There are people who enjoy making you feel small and them bigger by commenting on your sexuality.

“It’s usually done by a dysfunctional adult who calls you names. He looks across at his friends. They are mortified (by his behaviour) but, because it is such an emotive issue, they won’t say anything.”

Mr Hinchliff, who is North Wales Police’s lesbian, gay and bisexual group official, believes homophobic crime victims may tolerate attacks on them “seven, eight or nine” times before reporting them, if at all.

They may fear being outed, reprisals or doubt there would be a successful prosecution.

Mr Hinchliff thought carefully about going public as a victim.

“We are terribly aware about ‘secondary victimisation’ when this is reported in the media,” he said.

“I’m lucky. I’m a strong character and my community accepts me.

“Who people choose to live or sleep with defines them, in a sense, but they would not like to be defined just by that.”

Mr Hinchliff, a godfather to six children, is also a county councillor and a Llanfairfechan historian.

Victim Support last Friday started a new service in Wales to help victims and witnesses of homophobic and transphobic hate crime funded with £50,000 from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Victim Support, a national charity, will work with Stonewall Cymru to train existing staff and volunteers, and new recruits.

They will offer free, confidential advice on personal safety, and information on how to deal with criminal justice agencies.

Gaynor McKeown, Victim Support regional manager in Wales, said: “We believe homophobic crime is underreported.

“We can offer emotional and practical support such as personal attack alarms and locks.”

Stonewall Cymru community liaison officer Jenny Porter said: “We urge victims of homophobic and other hate crimes to take up this offer from Victim Support. Receiving support at such a critical time can make a difference to coping with the experience.”