Five Gwent Police officers and staff members have filmed a short DVD to spread the message to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) young people that “It does get better and we can make it happen”
The five officers – who are all LGB&T liaison officers – have been filmed talking about their own personal experiences, as well as outlining the LGB&T Liaison Officer service for victims of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crime. The overall aim of the short film is to give a positive message to young LGB&T people who may be suffering bullying or hate crime, and to reassure them that the police will be there to support them. The film is to be used as a wider Stonewall Cymru viral campaign.
The film was shown for the first time at an event at University of Wales, Newport, Caerleon Campus, as part of LGB&T History month. Gwent Police attended to talk to young people as well as representatives from partner agencies including Victim Support, Gwent Crown Prosecution Service, and THT (Terence Higgins Trust).
The film, which can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgeg-YthHwA will be used to promote the LGB&T Liaison Officer service to communities across Gwent, as well as highlighting the impact of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying within schools.
In December 2010, Gwent Police were the first Welsh police force to introduce LGB&T Liaison Officers. Fourteen officers and staff in total received specialist training to provide victims of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crime with specialist support and advice.
Nationally, these types of hate crimes are under reported, and it is hoped that the Liaison Officers will help victims to have the confidence to approach the police when an incident has happened. The officers provide victims and witnesses with reassurance that they are being supported by a member of Gwent Police that has received specialist training, and can often relate on a personal level to some of the issues they might be experiencing. LGB&T Liaison Officers are able to give information, support and advice to victims and witnesses of crimes and incidents; to signpost to other support services; to give support and advice to officers dealing with homophobic, biphobic and transphobic incidents; to promote understanding amongst colleagues about the needs of local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and to offer guidance and advice to police officers and staff.
Deputy Chief Constable Jeff Farrar, Gwent Police said:
“We are proud to be the first force in Wales to introduce LGB&T liaison officers and since the service was introduced our officers have dealt with eight cases, many of which are still receiving ongoing support and advice as the investigative process continues. The feedback we have had from members of the public has been very positive indeed. The film is another way we hope to reach out to young people who are perhaps experiencing feelings of isolation. We really want them to know that it does get better today and we can make it happen.”
Andrew White, Director of Stonewall Cymru said
“This film shows proud officers as part of a proud force doing some great work. I hope that it will drive further improvement in Gwent and serve as an inspiration to lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the county.”
Julie Baker, Transgender Wales (Chair and Co-Founder)
“The transgender population is a growing one that traditionally has not reported hate crimes because of lack of confidence in police. We are some years behind that of the LGB communities, and it will take a number of years to catch up. It’s important that everybody reports hate crime, no matter if it’s a few words or something more serious’.
