This blog originally appeared at Williams Institute.
A recent study conducted by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law has revealed alarming statistics regarding hate crimes against LGBT individuals. The study found that approximately one out of 10 violent victimizations against LGBT people are hate crimes. Furthermore, LGBT individuals are nine times more likely to be victims of violent hate crimes compared to non-LGBT individuals.
The research, which analyzed hate crime data from the 2017-2019 National Crime Victimization Survey, highlighted several key findings. LGBT victims of violent hate crimes were more likely to be younger and have a relationship with their assailant. Additionally, the study indicated that assailants in LGBT hate crimes were more likely to be white.
During the period of 2017 to 2019, the study reported that LGBT individuals experienced 6.6 violent hate crime victimizations per 1,000 people, while non-LGBT individuals experienced 0.8 victimizations per 1,000 people. The consequences of these hate crimes extended beyond the immediate incident, as LGBT victims of violent hate crimes were more likely to report difficulties in their social lives, negative emotional responses, and physical symptoms of distress.
These findings highlight the urgent need for greater awareness, prevention, and support systems to address the persistent issue of hate crimes targeting the LGBT community. It is imperative to advocate for inclusive policies, promote tolerance and acceptance, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The study underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to combat discrimination, promote equality, and create a safer society for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Hate crimes have adverse physical and psychological effects on LGBT victims that are greater than the effect of similar crimes not motivated by hate,” said study author Ilan H. Meyer, Distinguished Senior Scholar of Public Policy at the Williams Institute. “These findings highlight the importance of developing and strengthening federal, state, and local interventions to protect LGBT people from victimization and providing support and services to mitigate the ill effects of hate crime victimization.”
About the Study
The report, “Hate crimes against LGBT people: National Crime Victimization Survey, 2017-2019” appears in PLOS ONE and is co-authored by Andrew R. Flores, Ph.D., Rebecca L. Stotzer, Ph.D., Ilan Meyer, Ph.D., and Lynn L. Langton, Ph.D.
fleeredstates.blog 