Poster campaign to report harassment

[Tina Greco - Melbourne]

Poster campaign to report harassment

06Feb08




CONTROVERSIAL CAMPAIGN: This poster will be appearing across the city streets as part of a new anti-homophobic campaign.


``THAT dyke [censored] deserved everything she got.''

That's the controversial tag in a series of Victoria Police anti-homophobic harassment posters which will be splashed across the CBD as of next week.
The ``Speak up! Homophobic violence isn't funny, it's criminal'' campaign aims to encourage gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people to report acts of harassment to police.
Victoria Police gay and lesbian advisory unit manager Sgt Scott Davis said crime statistics showed that 47 per cent of homophobic offences reported during the past six years were assaults. A further 24 per cent were property damage, while robbery, rape, thefts and harassment made up the remainder of offences.
``We want people to speak up as it encourages others to do so and sends an important message to perpetrators that their actions will not be tolerated,'' he said.
The campaign's supporters include the Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men's Health Centre and Victoria Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby.
People seeking assistance or advice can call the Victoria Police gay and lesbian liaison officer on 9247 6944, the Victims of Crime hotline on 1800 819 817 or the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard on 9827 8544.