LGBT+ people of all genders understand the fear of abuse and violence from strangers in public. As a community, we stand with citizens and campaigners across the UK in demanding safety in public spaces and protection from abuse and harassment for all women and girls. We will continue our work alongside the ending violence against women and girls sector to push for a UK which is safe, just, and fair for all.
In remembering Sarah Everard, we also remember Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry, two women of colour who were murdered in a park by a stranger last summer with comparatively little coverage. We must remember, as this conversation continues, that women of colour, including trans women of colour, are disproportionately affected by violence and face multiple barriers to accessing support, care, representation and justice.
We continue to support the call for the legal recognition of misogyny as a hate crime. Alongside this, we will continue to work for the equal treatment under the law for victims of hate crime on the basis of race, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. We can and must do more to ensure that all victims of abuse are able to access justice, and as a society lead the way in showing that crimes fuelled by prejudice cannot and will not be tolerated.
We understand that, following these events, LGBT+ victims of abuse, violence and harassment may feel less trusting of the police. If you don’t want to report but you need support, Galop are here for you.
