Needs of victim

In order to respond in an appropriate way to victims of anti-LGBT hate crimes, it is important to know what the needs of this specific group of victims are. Some of the needs mentioned below are common needs of victims in general.

Personal safety and security. Most victims feel unsafe during or after experiencing a hate crime. They have a profound need of feeling safe and being protected from further harm.   

Practical help. Victims of hate crime could be in need for different kinds of practical help. One might think of medical advice, legal assistence and insurance issues.

Emotional and psychosocial support. Even though emotional needs will differ per victim, there are a few general needs most victims of hate crime have. They want to be believed, acknowledged, taken seriously, listened to and understood.

Confidentiality and trust. Victims of hate crime could experience a lack of trust in the community or even in the world. Furthermore, expecially to LGBT-people confidentiality is especially important in case a victim has not come out as a LGBT.   

Information and advice. Especially when victims of hate crime decide to report the crime, they need to be informed about their rights. + verwachtingen. Furthermore there will need information about the support services that could help them.

Help in navigating criminal justice. It’s important that victims fully comprehend the criminal justice procedure(s) of their case. They also need to be informed about the progress. The criminal justice system is a way to show victims, offenders and society that hate crimes are taken seriously.

Respectful and dignified treatment. Victims should be helped professionally, respectfully and in a way that prevents victims from secondary victimization.

Victim-centered approach. All victims are individuals with individual needs. Their individuel needs should always be the center of the offered assistance.