Swansea launches groundbreaking drop-in centre for LGBT hate crime victims

A drop in centre for victims of LGBT hate crime in Swansea will open in mid March with staff from local police forces being on hand to give advice and help to victims of LGBT related crime.

The news follows a report by the BBC in October 2015 that Hate Crime in Wales had seen a 20% increase since 2014.

Unity chief executive Andrew Davies told the BBC that the aim was to build trust between the police and the LGBT community, the BBC reports.

Explaining the reasons for the drop-in sessions Mr Davies said: “We are trying to break down barriers so that people in the LGBT community feel able to talk to the police about their experiences”

The centre will also be staffed by trained individuals who work with the Unity Group.

“The only way we can tackle hate crime is if it is reported and if we provide a neutral space hopefully victims will feel more confident about coming forward” added Mr Davies.

Words: Bradd-Aaron Farnsworth

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