To download this guide for free as a PDF, please click here [1].

From the guide: Preventing and Addressing Bullying and Intolerance

This report makes recommendations and ultimately proposes collaboration between mainstream victim assistance agencies and LGBTQ-specific anti-violence programs to increase the efficacy and equity of services provided to LGBTQ victims of crime, particularly hate violence and intimate partner violence. The recommended strategies will be effective only when supported by the necessary changes in laws and policies to provide LGBTQ victims of crime with equal access to victims’ rights and services. The National Center for Victims of Crime and the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs make the following recommendations:

1. Build collaboration among LGBTQ anti-violence programs and mainstream victim assistance providers to increase the availability of culturally competent services for LGBTQ victims of crime by providing LGBTQ-specific training for criminal and civil justice system personnel and victim assistance providers.

2. Assess and evaluate the implementation of state and federal protections for victims of crime and implement policy and legislative changes to assure that LGBTQ victims have equal access to protections.

3. Increase public awareness of the extent and impact of victimization against LGBTQ individuals and communities and on crime victims’ rights and services through national and local public awareness, education, and outreach campaigns.

4. Increase state and federal funding for collaboration, training, outreach, services, research, and data collection on the victimization of LGBTQ people.