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 It is estimated that over 80% of the attacks on lesbian,
gay, bisexual, or transgender people are never reported.
Even if victims and/or witnesses don't report incidents
of violence and discrimination to the police, it is
important that they report these incidents to the PPF's
Anti-Violence Project because these reports underlie
AVP's advocacy work and help to define the problems and
develop appropriate responses.
Partner Abuse/Domestic Violence is a serious problem in
the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.
Domestic violence occurs in same-gender relationships
with the same frequency and severity as it does among
heterosexuals. It may begin in forms one may not think
of as abuse,  such as emotional and verbal attacks, which
commonly escalate into physical violence that can be
life threatening. While verbal and emotional abuse may
continue for years before becoming physical in nature,
for both one’s mental and physical safety help should be
sought as soon as possible to stop the abuse. Most
importantly, it is imperative to remember: You are Not
Alone, and help IS available.
Individual counseling is available for people in abusive
or violent relationships. After a period of individual
assessment, education, and treatment, some may begin
couples counseling in order to learn the process of
building a sane and balanced relationship together.
Pacific Pride Foundation can provide referrals to
domestic violence shelters that are friendly to the
issues affecting LGBT identified individuals.
We also offer LGBT domestic violence prevention
training, education and consultation. These programs are
designed to educate and empower the LGBT community to
build healthy and respectful relationships and to stop
the cycle of violence through awareness and action.
 Hate incidents are activities of a non-criminal nature,
such as: name calling, speech making, demonstrations,
distribution of printed materials that are intentionally
designed to defame individuals of a group because of their race, ethnic background, religion, national
origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
Hate crimes are those attacks on an individual or his or
her property in which the victim is intentionally
selected because of his or her race, ethnic background,
religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation
age or disability. Acts of violence and prejudice that
can be prosecuted by the local District Attorney or by
the California Attorney General are:
Assault is a common occurrence in our communities today.
An assault that takes place during a robbery, of course,
is a crime, but not a hate crime. But an assault that is
accompanied by derogatory reference to the race, ethnic
background, religion, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, age or disability of the victim is deemed
to be motivated by bigotry and is considered a hate
crime.
In addition to providing personal support for hate crime
victims, hate incident, and hate crime victims, one of
the best responses is to assist victims in reporting.
Contact the following:
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Law
Enforcement 911
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Hate
Crime Prevention Network 884-6800
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Anti
Defamation League 564-6670
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Federal
Bureau of Investigations 642-3995
PPF helps victims to understand that providing
information may increase the chances that the
perpetrator of hate incidents and hate crimes will be
identified and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Reporting a hate incident or hate crime often provides
victims with the chance to express their concerns,
fears, anger, or other emotions. It will also facilitate
the victims' realization that they are not alone or
responsible for the incident or criminal act perpetrated
against them. These important steps also enable victims
to begin the healing process.
Lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elder
victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, neglect
are a "nested" population that are frequently overlooked
and/or ignored. Some LGBT elders are being totally
ignored and not receiving needed intervention services.
Pacific Pride Foundation is working on supporting LGBT
elders who need access to social services or social
events.
For more information contact Mariela Marin, (805) 963-3636 x130.
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