This in from the Police, in their own words. Ed
Hampshire Constabulary is joining Stonewall’s ‘It Gets Better Today’ campaign to help tackle homophobic bullying.
Many young people who are coming to terms with their sexual orientation suffer bullying and harassment as a result.
The campaign aims to offer hope to those affected and show them that life does get better.
YouTube Message from Chief Constable
As part of the campaign, Chief Constable Alex Marshall has delivered an anti-bullying message via YouTube.
“Bullying is unacceptable,” Mr Marshall says in the video message. “My organisation, my officers and police staff, will take great care of anyone who might be subject to bullying, or picked on because of their difference or sexuality.
“We will stay with you from the moment the call comes in and we’ll make sure we take care of you throughout the whole process through the criminal justice system.”
“I have a great team of Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers who are there to support people who have difficulties.
“My organisation takes this issue seriously and I can say with great confidence, it gets better from today.”
Stonewall welcomes video
Chris Dye, from Stonewall, welcomed the video. “It’s great to see Hampshire Constabulary joining our campaign,” he said. “It’s really important for people to know that the police take homophobic crime and incidents seriously. We’re sure lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will welcome the chief constable’s comments.”
So far this year 2011/12 (April – Jan) Hampshire Constabulary has received 255 reports of homophobic and transphobic incidents of which 146 were hate crimes. These are offences where the victim was targeted because of the sexual orientation or gender identity.
Powerful message from Chief Constable
PC Joe Finch is a Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officer on the Isle of Wight and organised the force’s involvement in the project.
“To have the chief constable deliver this message makes it all the more powerful,” he said. “Nobody should ever get to the point where they want to take their own life because of bullying and nobody should suffer in silence.
“The police address bullying because if we can nip it in the bud early we can help prevent cases escalating and give young people back the confidence to live their lives free from harassment.”
