Get GLLO-ing

Homophobic and/or transphobic violence and abuse continue to be a sad reality of life both locally and globally. Incidents harm individual victims and GLBT communities generally.

ACON’s Anti-Violence Project works to prevent it happening and to support those affected.

It can be incredibly traumatic to be victimised for something as intrinsic to who we are as sexuality or gender identity and the constant fear of it happening can be equally crippling.

Mental health can suffer and we may attempt to cope by using drugs or alcohol. Sometimes we find support and sometimes we do the best we can.

The NSW Police Force is committed to working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people to ensure that their issues are understood and responded to effectively.

The NSW Police Force regards homophobic/ transphobic-motivated crime very seriously and strongly encourage our communities to report such incidents of violence and/or abuse to them.

All police officers are trained to respond appropriately to reports of crime and specially trained police — Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers or GLLOs — are also located in many NSW police stations. The GLLO program was initiated in 1990 to provide additional capacity for responding to homophobic incidents and to provide appropriate training for police.

GLLOs can assist with reports of homophobic incidents but won’t always be available when an incident occurs. The absence of a GLLO shouldn’t discourage anyone from reporting.

If you would like to speak to or seek advice from a GLLO, contact your local police and ask for information on GLLO availability and contact details.

Alternatively you could contact ACON’s Ant-Violence Project (02 9206 2116). We work to support those affected by homophobic/ transphobic violence and abuse, and same-sex domestic violence. We can support you in reporting to police or put you in touch with a GLLO near you.

We wish everyone a very happy and safe Mardi Gras.

By Robert Knapman – The Anti-Violence Project