Avoiding Victimization 101
by Dan Hlad
Every day queer people live with the realization that today may be
the day they get fired from their job, don't get that apartment, get bashed
from a bunch of kids hiding in a dark alley, or even face sexual violence at
the hands of people so hateful towards us that, to them, violence is
completely appropriate.
Several times a week I hear stories of people who are victimized by
strangers (or people they know) because they are gay or assumed gay.
While it's difficult to combat housing and job discrimination (especially in
Akron where there is little or no legislation to protect you) there are
precautions you can take to avoid violence. Here's a guideline of things
you can do.
In addition to shear hate, gays, lesbians, bisexual people, and
transgender people are targeted for violence for several reasons. One is
because queer people are often reluctant to report hate crimes. The idea of
being "outed" or re-victimized by law enforcement officials is a real concern. Due to this, we
won't report violence unless medical care is required. But reporting
violence is extremely important. At The Center we document discrimination
in Northeast Ohio and provide statistics to a national organization. We use
these statistics as a tool to bring awareness of the issues to Northeast
Ohio's larger community and to persuade law enforcement officials to
work closely with the gay community. If you have been victimized, it is
extremely important that you document it. You can call The Center at 1-888-
GAY-8761 to report it. But it is also important that you report it to the police. It's a very uncomfortable situation, but we may even be able to mediate \
with you and the police, if you feel that your situation won't be handled
appropriately by police.
For your own safety, it's more important that you avoid
compromising situations all together. Here's some tips you can use when
you leave the bar or restaurant:
-Try to leave with a group of people or other people who are leaving
at the same time. Bashers target people who are alone, they are easy
victims.
-Let friends or the bartender know that you are leaving and who
you're leaving with.
-Be aware of your surroundings and look up while you walk. Take
caution when approaching dark alleys or buildings. Have your keys ready
to open up your car.
-Don't let alcohol impair your judgments. If you've had too much to
drink, you're an easy target for bashers. Leave with someone who hasn't
been drinking or wait 'til you sober up.
-Don't be afraid to grab the first brick you can find and politely place
it in the abusers forehead. Keys, mace, and yes! high heel shoes work well
too. Kick, scream, spit, bite, and whatever else to get away.
-Take a self-defense class. All queer people should know how to
defend themselves if faced with violence.
No person deserves to be victimized for any reason. Unfortunately,
for some people bashing queers is more of a sport than anything else.
Take care of yourself and look out for others. And if you've been
discriminated against, harassed or violated, report it!
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