After Lockdown Ends, Assaults Against Queers on the Rise Again in the U.K.
A look at the statistics dealing with violent attacks against queers in Great Britain paints a sad picture. Because: Since the end of the lockdown, violent acts against homosexual and transsexual people have increased.
A corresponding report was published by the PA news agency. In numbers, this means: In the summer alone, in the period between May and August, more than 2,200 assaults per month were committed in which hatred of homosexuals was the focus. If you compare these figures with the period between January and April of the same year, you will see that the number of crimes per month increased by about 750.
In total, about 15,000 people were victims of homophobic violence in the first half of the year. A sad "record." If you turn your attention to the reports around crimes against transsexual people, you will be confronted with a similar picture. Here, too, the numbers went up.
What stands out?
The exact reason why the numbers went up after the end of the lockdown has not yet been explained in more detail. It is possible that many people were so frustrated by the uncertainty surrounding a renewed lockdown, rising numbers, etc. that they sought a kind of "outlet" in violence.
If you compare the numbers with the numbers before the pandemic, you will clearly see that the trend is upward. It is possible that the more precise reasons for the increase will be analyzed in the future.
Note: Only crimes that can be clearly classified as hate crimes find their way into the corresponding statistics. Accordingly, it could well be that the actual figures are even higher. Therefore, the British police also encourage more transparency.
How can queer victims contribute to more education?
This is a request of the British police, which of course is not only valid in Great Britain, but also in other countries. Homosexual or transsexual people who have been victims of violence should, firstly, not hesitate to report the relevant acts and, secondly, clearly indicate that the assault may have been a hate crime. Clearly, not every crime in which, for example, a gay man is the victim of violence necessarily has something to do with the sexual orientation of the person involved. Nevertheless, corresponding tendencies can often be deduced from the course of events. If there are any conspicuous features in this regard, it is important to point this out precisely when reporting the incident to the police.
Over the years, the officers have become more and more sensitized and accordingly offer a helpful contact point for those affected.
Many people are ashamed to have been victims of queer violence
Of course, people who have been victims of queer violence should not be ashamed. Anyone who has had to experience an assault should not hesitate and report the respective act to the police. Depending on the extent of the incident and how it affects your life, it may also be helpful to seek psychological help.
Particularly in larger cities, there are also relevant counseling services that can be accessed by telephone, among other things - not only in the UK, but also in Germany.
Did you already know? There is now a Rosenstolz documentary in the ARD Mediathek to find