LGBT community ‘not reporting sex crimes’
December 21st, 2009 by Chloe.Setter
Sexual assaults against members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in Lancashire are not being reported, according to local police.
Blackpool and The Fylde’s Operation Aquamarine team – a unit of Lancashire Police that deals specifically with sexual assaults – said that only two sex attack claims had been made to the division since it was formed in September 2008.
As a result, the team has launched a campaign to promote awareness in the LGBT community, distributing posters and business cards in local pubs, clubs and support groups.
Det Insp Sue Cawley said: “Confidence in reporting sexual offences in the LGBT community seems to be low and we want to make sure that all members of the community feel comfortable reporting this type of horrific crime.
“We have a team of specially trained officers to support victims of rape and we want to make sure that members of the LGBT community have the information that they need to report such crime.”
She added: “I want to reassure people that if they do come forward to report a sexual assault, we will treat them with dignity and respect.
“It is vital that the police are aware of sexual assaults so that we can bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.”
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