NCJ Number
134565
Date Published
1992
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper presents a case study of how the lesbian and gay community in New York City developed its own response to anti-gay and anti-lesbian violence.
Abstract
In 1980 a group of gay men and lesbians founded the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) in reaction to neighborhood incidents of anti-lesbian and anti-gay violence and the failure of the criminal justice system to respond to the problem. The AVP staff and volunteers assist victims of anti-gay and anti-lesbian violence to regain their sense of control, identify and evaluate their options, and assert their rights. The AVP provides counseling; victim advocacy with police and social service agencies; and information for lesbian and gay crime victims, victims of anti-gay and anti-lesbian violence, and others affected by such violence. By documenting the existence and extent of these forms of violence and by educating the public about such crimes, the AVP aims to reduce public tolerance of such violence. The project also holds governmental and social service agencies accountable to gay and lesbian people so as to ensure sensitive and unbiased treatment for lesbian and gay crime victims. 2 notes and 4 references