Hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ in Switzerland increase
The latest Hate Crime Report for Switzerland was recently published. The results that can be read from it are frightening. Even though much has been done in Switzerland in terms of equality, for example in connection with marriage for all, it cannot be swept under the carpet that hate crimes against queers have massively increased in the country.
The results of the Hate Crime Report in figures
The statistics show that there are more and more hate crimes against queers in Switzerland. Among other things, more than 90 reports were received at the LGBT+ helpline. The number has thus more than doubled - compared to the year 2020.
In addition, these are of course "only" the crimes that are known. The number of unreported cases - especially in the area of LGBTQIA+ violence - is very high. Many victims do not dare to report to the police (or to the LGBT+ helpline).
According to Roman Heggli, Pink Cross Executive Director, there are no major differences between large cities and smaller villages in terms of the number of unreported cases. Therefore, it is important to rely on a national reporting procedure in order to obtain an even better overview and thus be able to get an informed picture.
Marriage for all has also changed a lot....
The results of the research show that it was marriage for all, among other things, that many people who committed Hate Crime were bothered by. About half of the cases reported through the LGBT+ Helpline were related to the referendum campaign at the time. Whether the victims were homosexual themselves or heterosexual couples who supported marriage for all, they all came under the "fire" of homophobic perpetrators.
Transsexual persons are particularly often affected by Hate
It is striking that in 2021, many transgender people in particular were also affected by hate in various forms. Thus, about 45 percent had been victimized because of their gender expression.
In addition, the victims of hate against queers seem to be getting younger and younger.
However diverse the people affected by hate may be, more than 50 percent of them have one thing in common: the acts left traces. Negative effects on the psyche of queer people are not rare. On the contrary. Many of them suffer afterwards from strong restrictions and are afraid to present themselves in public as they are... Among other things also because many of them could not rely on the civil courage of their fellow men.
Experts estimate that only about 20 percent of hate crimes were reported last year. It is therefore all the more important to raise awareness here so that everyone knows exactly who they can turn to in an emergency.
Associations and activists increasingly draw attention to problems - not only in Switzerland
Of course, hate crimes against the community do not only happen in Switzerland. Unfortunately, many people in Germany, for example, are not aware of how strong the fears are that many queers face in this country as well.
Those who would like to get advice can, among other things, make use of the offers of relevant hotlines - optionally anonymously.
People who have been victims of violence and notice that the incidents have a strong impact on their everyday life should not hesitate to seek professional help in case of doubt. Meanwhile, many psychologists have also specialized in queer patients and their support.
Also noticed? Germany and England set an example against racism