Bias Crimes and the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual Community Have you ever: Been harassed by being called faggot, lezzie, dyke, freak, "he-she-it," queer...? Received hate mail, phone messages, faxes, or e-mail? Been beaten up for who you are? Had your property damaged because of your identity? Dropped your partner's hand in certain neighborhoods in fear of your safety? Known anyone who has? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Bias crimes range from verbal harassment, phone and e-mail harassment, property damage, threats of assault, being assaulted or "bashed," rape, and murder. Almost every lesbian, gay man, transgender, or bisexual person has experienced some form of bias crime or knows someone who has. Many of us have become so used to violence being perpetrated against us that we tend to "expect" certain harassments for being lesbian, gay, transgender, or bisexual. But the truth is, it's never okay to be harassed or hurt because of who you are or who you're perceived to be. Don't down play what has happened to you by comparing it to other "more serious" assaults. All bias crimes and harassments are painful and threatening. No matter how you identify-gay, bi, straight, or trans-AVP can help. IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT! You may feel responsible for what happened to you. Many victims report feeling they were "too gay looking" or "shouldn't have worn those clothes" or "should never have gone to that event." You may begin feeling like you did something wrong, or that there is something wrong with you for being lesbian, gay, transgender, or bisexual. There is nothing wrong with you! The person who has hurt or harassed you has the problem. WHAT ARE BIAS CRIMES? Bias crimes are crimes committed against you or your property out of hatred for who you are or who people think you are. These acts, or threats of them, are based on hatred of and prejudice against a particular group in society. This is why they are also known as hate crimes. Since bias crimes are based on the perpetrator's assumptions about the victim's identity, the victim does not have to even belong to the targeted group. For example, two sisters walking arm and arm may be perceived as lesbians and harassed or assaulted. Bias crimes involving assaults are usually more brutal than other kinds of attacks. In most of these attacks, the perpetrators usually outnumber their victims, use weapons that require close contact and brutal force, and result in the victim suffering from multiple injuries. Bias crimes not only hurt you as a victim, but also are meant to send a message of hate and fear to the larger community. Whether we have been personally attacked or not, we are all victims of these bias crimes. We "alter" ourselves or our behaviors in different situations to avoid being harassed or hurt. An example is fearing holding a lover's hand in certain parts of town or showing public affection for fear of causing attention and being hurt. You have heard the message that hate crimes have intended for you to hear: "If you show yourself, you could be next." This is how hate crimes hurt all of us. We may not even be aware that we alter ourselves and what we do because it has become so routine, but we live in fear everyday for what could happen to us if we're identified as lesbian, gay, transgender, or bisexual. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a bias crime, call AVP, the Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project. AVP helps victims of bias crimes. We operate a 24-hour hotline 7 days a week, in both English and Spanish. Professional counselors and trained volunteers are available to provide both emotional and practical help. Call AVP's 24-hour bilingual hotline (Spanish/English): (212) 714-1141. YOUR RECOVERY FROM A BIAS CRIME: Bias crime victims have to deal with the extra complications that arise from being a victim of a hate crime. Because the crime is an assault on your identity, you might begin to feel there is something wrong with your identity and try to change who you are. This can include changing the way you dress or look for fear of appearing lesbian, gay, transgender, or bisexual. You may avoid lesbian, gay, transgender, or bisexual events or gathering places for the same reason. You may find that you avoid showing affection toward your lover in public. Or you may avoid getting help because you're minimizing what happened to you or because you fear being further harassed by officials. If not talked about, these kinds of reactions can make recovery from a bias crime very difficult. Sometimes friends and family may say things that can make you feel worse when they are actually trying to help. It's important to get help from a place like AVP when you have been the victim of a bias crime. Some common physical reactions for victims are headaches, stomachaches, difficulty sleeping, lack of energy, sexual difficulties, and a change in appetite. It is also normal to have emotional responses, including anger, denial, anxiety, depression, loneliness, fear, nightmares, flashbacks, self-blame, irritability, and difficulty with concentration. Don't suffer in silence. Call AVP's 24-hour hotline (Spanish/English): (212) 714-1141. WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF A BIAS CRIME: If you are hurt, call (or have someone else call) 911. It is important to get medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. They may seem minor now, but complications may occur later. Get to a safe place: Your physical and emotional safety are most important. Report it - Call AVP: There are many reasons why people do not report crimes. However, there are good reasons to consider reporting a bias crime to AVP. You can then determine if you want to report the crime to the police or other officials. To get the help you deserve - AVP can document the incident and help with professional counseling and advocacy. We can go with you to the police station, the hospital, and court if you need support and guidance. To document the crime - It is crucial to document ongoing harassment and violence against the lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual community. Without such a record, officials can deny the amount of violence perpetrated against our community and refuse to take the issue seriously. Even if you do not want to report to the police, you can report your incident to AVP for statistical documentation. To prosecute perpetrators - Prosecution may stop a perpetrator from committing these crimes in the future. It can also help the survivor find and feel some sense of justice. Filing a police report is the first step. To deter other potential perpetrators - If the crime goes unpunished, it can send a message that this type of violence is okay. The police may also have reports of similar incidents and can connect the crimes. To receive compensation from the Crime Victims Board (CVB) - You may be eligible to receive financial compensation for crime-related injuries or loss of property from the New York State CVB. If you are eligible, a police report must first be filed. AVP can help with this application process. The decision to report a crime to the police should always be left up to the survivor of the crime. Remember, it's not your fault! Talk to someone who will be sympathetic and who will understand the seriousness of what you've been through. AVP CAN HELP IN MANY WAYS: The Anti-Violence Project has helped many people who have been the victims of bias crimes. Our experience and skill in this area can be a resource for you. If you or anyone you know has been the victim of a crime, including a bias crime, a rape or sexual assault, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS-related violence, police misconduct, or a pick-up crime, call AVP. We can help. Our services include: 24-hour hotline (English and Spanish): (212) 714-1141 Short-term individual counseling Support groups Information and referrals Escort to, and advocacy with, the police Escort to the hospital Assistance filing for Crime Victims Board compensation claims Assistance in obtaining Orders of Protection Court monitoring Legal advice and referrals Advocacy with other service agencies All services are free and confidential. Call AVP's 24-hour bilingual hotline (Spanish/English): (212) 714-1141.