Stacie Vecchietti & Ted Heck: Presenter's at Creating Change Conference
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence programs released its report on hate violence for members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) community and those who are HIV positive on Thursday, May 31.
Key Findings:
- Highest recorded number of murders for LGBTQ and HIV positive individuals documented
- Overall decrease in reported violence BUT increase in murders for LGBTQ and HIV positive individuals
- Disproportionate % of murder victims were persons of color
- High risk of physical violence and murder experienced by transgender women
- Youth and young adults who are LGBTQ identified experience higher rates of physical violence than LGTBQ identified persons aged 30 and over
What is hate violence?
The definition used for the NCAVP report is: “a bias incident and is any expression (spoken, written, symbolic, or other form) which is motivated by some form of prejudice-based racial group, religion, sexual orientation, disability, class, ethnicity, nationality, age, or gender identity or political affiliation. Hate violence does not necessarily constitute a crime.”
Why does this matter?
Discrimination increases one’s likelihood of experiencing hate violence. Being a member of multiple groups that are experiencing discrimination (i.e. a person of color who is also LGBTQ identified) further compounds this likelihood of experiencing and the intensity of violence. Additionally, many of the support systems designed to help those experiencing violence can perpetuate discrimination and oppression.
The same discrimination that can fuel hate violence can also be a tool used by an abusive partner to exert power and control. Discrimination can also fuel sexual violence including sexual harrassment. The NCAVP will release a report this fall about the experiences of sexual and intimate partner violence by members of the LGBTQ and HIV positive communities.
- Members of LGBTQ community experience hate violence or threat of hate violence across the lifespan
- Not all members of the LGBTQ or HIV positive communities experience hate violence but the threat of it is present
- Experiencing violence and the threat of violence heightens fear, anxiety and stress
- Resources are not always available to members of LGBTQ and HIV communities and those who love and support them
What Resources are Available?
- ROSMY — services and support for sexual minority youth
- Fan Free Clinic — health services including Transgender Clinic and HIV/STI testing and support
- Gay Community Center of Richmond — support groups, advocacy, community organizing and FUN activities
- Support Group for Gender NonConforming Youth — parent-led community support group (link to article re: group via richmondmom.com)
- National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs 24-Hour Hotline (212-714-1141)– bi-lingual hotline providing support to members of LGBTQ and HIV positive community
Consider this list a start. We know there are many others.
Safe Harbor works diligently to provide supportive services to all who have experienced intimate partner and sexual violence including those who are members of traditionally under- or mis-served groups. We are currently working with ROSMY and the Fan Free Clinic to increase our capacity to serve LGBTQ and HIV positive individuals.
Special thank you to Amy Lacey and WRIC-8 for interviewing Safe Harbor’s Stacie Vecchietti on its May 31 5:30 p.m. broadcast.
What Can I Do?
- Learn more about hate violence. For the full report, click here.
- Examine your own opinions and how they influence your behavior.
- Volunteer your time to support those who have experienced or are at risk for experiencing violence.
- Provide financial support to organizations that provide vital services and advocacy.
- Contact the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs at (212-714-1141) to learn more about the NCAVP Roundtable and Regional Training Academy hosted by the Virginia Anti-Violence Project right here this August in RVA!