Have you been or do you know someone who is a victim of LGBTIQ-phobia?
LGBTIQ-phobia
An anti-LGBTIQ hate crime is a criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards people who are LGBTIQ (or are perceived to be). LGBTIQ refers to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex or queer.
What to do if you witness an anti-LGBTIQ hate crime or know someone who is a victim:
- Depending on the situation, victims can be reluctant to report their attackers and it is important that you approach them sensitively
- Let the victim know that you support them and that you will be discreet about any information they share, don’t pressure them to talk if they are not ready
- Listen without judgement
- Refer the victim to support services, share the phone numbers for shelters, social services and support groups and let them know that you are available to help them.
When talking to the victim of an anti-LGBTIQ hate crime:
- Listen attentively and let them know you believe them
- Be compassionate and patient, respect their feelings and choices
- Tell them you are sorry to hear about the situation and that you want to help
- Do not minimise what they have experienced, tell them to move on or to stay silent or suggest that it may have been their fault
- If possible, offer the victim practical help such as making a safety plan, preparing an emergency bag or connecting them with crisis hotlines, support groups and shelters.
Supporting someone who is a victim of an anti-LGBTIQ hate crime can be difficult, make sure you are looking after yourself and reach out to organisations that can support you and help you better support the victim.
Keep your eyes open to the different types of anti-LGBTIQ hate crime.
Incitement to anti-LGBTIQ violence or hatred
Incitement to anti-LGBTIQ violence or hatred includes discrimination, prejudice, hostility and hatred towards a person who is (or is perceived to be) LGBTIQ.
Harassment
Anti-LGBTIQ harassment is unwanted conduct related to their sexual or gender identity with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person and of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Assault
Anti-LGBTIQ assault involves harming (physically or psychologically) another person due to their sexual or gender identity.
Get support
3 organisations found.
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Eesti LGBT Ühing
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Ohvriabi kriisitelefon
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Lasteabitelefon 116 111
Victims’ rights
in the European Union
The rights of victims’ family members
Many of the rights that apply to victims also apply to their family members, such as the right to access support services, the right to protection and the right to privacy.
Right to protection and to individual assessment
Victims and their family members have the right to be protected from secondary and repeat victimisation, intimidation, retaliation and emotional harm. The purpose of individual assessment is to identify whether victims have specific protection needs and to determine whether and to what extent they would benefit from special measures in the course of criminal proceedings. The dignity of victims must be protected when they are testifying.
Right to participate in criminal proceedings
Victims have the right to take part in criminal proceedings.
Right to support services
All victims have the right to confidential victim support services that is free of charge, acting in the interests of the victims before, during and for an appropriate time after criminal proceedings.
Right to information
Victims have the right to receive information on a range of topics including, but not limited to, what support is available and how to access it, compensation, restorative justice, protection, how to report criminal offences and how to access legal advice.
Right to understand and to be understood
Victims have the right to be heard, understood and respected. All communication with victims (written and spoken) must be simple and easy for them to understand.
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