The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the possible hate violence homicide of Andrew Nesbitt, age 46, who was found stabbed to death in his apartment in Madison, Wisconsin on March 27th, 2017. According to media reports, police have arrested a suspect, and have not ruled out the possibility of a hate crime.
Andrew was a survivor of a previous incident of hate violence, and he had worked closely with NCAVP member organization, Diverse & Resilient in Madison, Wisconsin to process his experience and tell his story.
“We hold his friends and families close in our hearts as they grieve the loss of Drew, who was such a dear, loving, and sweet person,” said Kathy Flores, LGBTQ Statewide Anti-Violence Coordinator for Diverse & Resilient. “While the motivation for this crime has yet to be reported, Diverse & Resilient is available to offer support for LGBTQ individuals. Diverse & Resilient offers a statewide anti-violence resource call or text phone line for LGBTQ individuals who are victims of all violence or at risk of being victims of violence.”
Diverse & Resilient also encourages people to consider these safety tips if they are heading out, and to remember that even if you follow all of these safety tips and violence happens, it is never your fault.
NCAVP’s most recent hate violence report, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Hate Violence in 2015, recorded 24 reported hate violence homicides of LGBTQ people, a 20% increase from the 20 reported anti-LGBTQ homicides in 2014.
NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an antiviolence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org.. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org.
If you are a member of the media, please contact: Sue Yacka, New York City Anti-Violence Project: syacka@avp.org or 212-714-1184
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.