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How To Deal With Homophobic Abuse
How To Deal With Homophobic Abuse: If you're being abused, verbally or physically, for being gay, it can be difficult to know where to go for help. Homophobic prejudice and abuse can occur in many situations, and it's important to deal with it and report it. Our VideoJug film will give you advice on how to handle this difficult issue of homophobic abuse..
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Step 1:
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It's not your fault
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Abuse can come in many different forms. It can be physical or verbal bullying, and can happen at home, work or in the community; even within a family. Just remember that if you're being abused it's not your fault and you have not 'brought it on yourself'. Despite what your abuser might say, there's nothing wrong with being gay. It's the abuser who has the problem, and is taking it out on you. Don't let their problem affect your self-esteem.
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Step 2:
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Confronting your abuser
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If you're the victim of homophobic abuse and are in a public place and there are other people present, you may want to challenge your abuser and 'stand up for yourself.' Challenging someone's prejudices is a great thing to do as long as it doesn't put you in further danger. For example if you are confronted with someone who may turn violent it's probably best to ignore their remarks and instead remember what they look like and then report it to the Police immediately. Never challenge or provoke someone if you think it may put your safety at risk.
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Step 3:
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Where to go for help
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Tell the police - in many countries, including the UK, there is legislation to protect you from homophobic abuse. Most constabularies in the UK have LGBT liaison officers whose job it is to act as a link between the police and the LGBT communities.
If you don't feel comfortable going to the Police, tell GALOP, http://www.galop.org.uk, who offer telephone support, and (soon to offer) live online help - http://www.galop.org.uk/
If you're being bullied at work: http://www.bullyonline.org/workbully/index.htm and http://www.banbullyingatwork.com and Andrea Adams Trust - http://www.andreaadamstrust.org
Trades Unions are very active in challenging workplace harassment.
Local councils if you are in local authority housing or public sector housing have active harassment policies.
Remember that reporting an abuser is not just for your own protection - you are also preventing other people from suffering from the same abuse.
Victims of abuse may also need counselling or therapy to deal with their experiences. Abuse can sometimes lead to post traumatic stress and affect our self-esteem, in which case professional help could be of use.
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