Bournemouth University hosts the British Society of Criminology Hate Crime Network’s annual conference
This year’s British Society of Criminology Hate Crime Network (BSCHC) addressed transphobic hate crime. The event was organised by Dr Jane Healy, Principal Academic and Deputy Head of the Department of Social Science and Social Work at Bournemouth University (BU). Dr Healy and members of the Hate Crime Network welcomed attendees and speakers from across the UK to join the conversation.
Dr Jack Lopez from the University of Bradford was a keynote speaker at the event. Additional speakers included charities, Space Youth Project and Beyond Reflections as well as academics, students, Dorset Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Members of the public were also invited to share their views.
Dr Lopez presented statistics which showed a 56% increase in transgender hate crime between 2020/21 to 2021/22 in England and Wales which, he said: “Correlates with increased media reporting of misinformation.”
In addition, Dr Lopez commented: “The UK press consistently use negative rhetoric around the trans community, this constant reporting of misinformation has emerged a false argument, a distraction from policy and an increase in hate crimes and a public change in attitude which is having a huge impact on our community, which is already vulnerable…Ultimately, what we must learn to do, is love one another without prejudice.”
Dr Jack Lopez, Assistant Professor, University of Bradford
A panel of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Wessex members and Dorset Police gave insight into their services and Criminal Justice in practice.
Dorset Police hate crime lead, Detective Superintendent, Ricky Dhanda reported that between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023, 7.4% of hate crimes against trans people in Dorset have led to positive outcomes, which typically include a charge or summons to court.
Ricky said: “There is simply no place for hate in our communities and we are absolutely committed to robustly investigating all hate crime offences, bringing offenders to justice, and ensuring victims are supported.
“Very sadly we know that hate crime is underreported, and the victims are often some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. We continue to work with partner and support agencies, to better understand the problem and ensure victims, and the wider public, are aware of all the ways offences can be reported, including to third-party reporting centres.
“We can only support victims and tackle this abhorrent crime if people report offences to us.”
Ricky Dhanda, Superintendent, Dorset Police
Later in the conference, Jai Murray, spoke of his experiences as a trans man. Jai commented: “The trans community is not currently being treated as human beings, there is a lot of fear. I’m honestly scared of physical violent attacks when I am out.”
He continued, “What impacts me the most is having been stuck in the surgery system for 10 years. I don’t get taken seriously as a trans man but, what is baffling to me is how my recent autism diagnosis is taken more seriously. Treat us seriously, we know how we feel. It goes back to treating people how you wish to be treated.”
Dr Gina Gwenffrewi from the University of Edinburgh, commented: “The anti-trans hate crime increase correlates to increased misinformation in the media. Universities are showing anti-trans films which go against institutional policies. Consequently, this causes increased tension on campuses and feelings of disempowerment amongst trans people.”
Attendees shared good practice and there were lively conversations and debates throughout the day. A desire for more discussions on this topic was highlighted by many.