A Northumberland LGBTQIA+ charity is introducing support services aimed specifically at victims of hate crime as incidents across the North East continue to rise.
Figures from four police force areas in the region revealed that 951 reports of hate crimes linked to sexual orientation or gender identity were recorded in 2021/21, a 108% increase from 458 in 2016/17. Northumberland Pride, which provides support services and training programmes for LGBTQIA+ people in the North East, is now offering one-to-one support and advocacy services to those who have encountered hateful actions from members of the public.
The support services have been launched following funding from the Ministry of Justice and the Supporting Victims Fund from the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness.
