LGBT+ domestic abuse is a growing issue in London. 793 incidents were reported in 2020/21, compared to 607 in 2016/17 – that’s a rise of 31%.
The London Assembly has today called on the Mayor and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) to implement measures aimed at tackling the issue, including providing emergency accommodation for LGBT+ victims of domestic abuse on a permanent basis.
Nick Rogers AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“The London Assembly is the voice of London, and that voice is most powerful when it is raised in support of the most vulnerable in our city.
"Domestic abuse within the LGBT+ community has risen by 31% since 2016, we need swift and decisive action to ensure cases do not continue to rise.
"We are asking the Mayor to guarantee funding for emergency accommodation for all LGBT+ domestic abuse victims who require it. He must also increase awareness of domestic abuse within the LGBT+ community through advertising on the TFL network, alongside ensuring relevant health and safety information is readily available for all.
"Domestic abuse figures are not currently shared with Gallop, we need the Mayor to extend the hate crime data sharing agreement and shine a light on the hidden demand, together with working with struggling providers whose services are endlessly over capacity.
"Domestic abuse is a devasting reality for many and I am not confident we know the full picture. We must ensure that all LGBT+ Londoners have proper access to the support and protection they need.”
Zack Polanski AM, who seconded the motion, said:
"Protection against violence is a right all Londoners should receive from their police service.
"Currently, LGBTIQA+ people are being left behind.
"This motion helps these communities, who have been marginalised for too long. It is so important to put in practical provisions that not only protect but support LGBTIQA+ victims of domestic abuse."
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly recognises that LGBT+ domestic abuse is a growing issue in London. In the financial year 2016/2017 there were 607 offences reported. By 2020/21 this had risen to 793, an increase of 31%.
This Assembly welcomes that the Mayor is undertaking work to address this issue, including the provision of victim and witness services, working closely with leading LGBT+ organisations, and the creation of the MPS Public Protection Improvement Plan, but believes more can be done.
Therefore this Assembly calls for:
- MOPAC to recommence funding to provide emergency accommodation for LGBT victims of domestic abuse on a permanent basis and make sure associated specialist support services are adequately funded;
- The Mayor to advertise LGBT+ domestic abuse awareness and information on victim support on the TfL network;
- The Mayor to update the LGBT+ Venues Charter to include the displaying of public health and safety information for the LGBT community, including information on domestic abuse;
- An extension of the Metropolitan Police’s hate crime data sharing agreement with Galop to cover domestic abuse to assess the hidden demand, specifically the number of calls to their helpline;
- MOPAC to explore launching a specialist programme to address the behaviour of LGBT+ perpetrators;
- For the Mayor to write to the Government to request they update the section on vulnerability within the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales, to specifically consider sexual orientation; and
- To work with third sector providers who are under pressure to provide services where demand exceeds capacity.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Nick Rogers AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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