Colorado Anti-Violence Project will be holding a press conference to discuss the 2008 Anti-LGBT Violence Report.This latest report on hate violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people in 2008 is produced by the National Coalition of Anti Violence Programs, (NCAVP) a network of over 35 antiviolence organizations that monitor, respond to, and work to end hate and domestic violence, HIV-related violence, pick-up crimes, rape, sexual assault, and other forms of violence affecting LGBT communities.
This years' report reveals that six regions report increases with three mid-west regions. Milwaukee, Minnesota, and Chicago reported a 50% or higher increase in anti-LGBT hate violence. While there has been a decline in all crime nationally hate violence against LGBT people continues to decline at a significantly slower rate (see report). Many cities, even those that report a decline in anti-LGBT violence reported an alarming increase in the severity of hate crimes and weapons use: reports of murder, sexual assault, use of weapons in the commission of a hate crime rose alarmingly. Similar increases were reflected in FBI 2008 statistics.
The report additionally makes significant public policy and practice recommendations calling for increased societal responsibility to bring an end to hate violence.
