Safe Communities Project
Download the Safe Communities Poster!
ALERT: Stay Safe and Look Out for Each Other!
The Pride Center of WNY, GLYS and MOCHA are working with the Buffalo Police Department to create a coordinated community response to recent violent crimes against the LGBT community.
If you have been the victim of an act of violence because of your sexual orientation or your gender identity/expression, call 911 for emergency assistance. If you need help with talking to the police or need support, please call the Pride Crnter of Western New York at 852-PRIDE (7743).
The Safe Communities Project is also initiating a community engagement campaign to get members of LGBT communities, families, and allies more involved to address additional needs within our communities. A number of community partners have joined this effort to raise awareness and take action on issues such as intimate partner violence, poverty, discrimination, and substance abuse. If you want to get involved, need help talking with the police, or need support, please call the Pride Center at 852-7743.
According to a statewide needs assessment conducted by the Empire State Pride Agenda’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health and Human Services Network, “Hate violence is an important problem in the LGBT community with 13% reporting they had experienced anti-LGBT sexual assault or violence serious enough to send them to the hospital.” Further, much of the violence against people in LGBT communities goes unreported. “Although 5% of the sample experienced homophobic verbal abuse and reported it, 62.9% experienced it and did not report it.”
Click here for the Network Report and more information about some of the most important needs and critical gaps in services for LGBT Communities.
Safety tips to remember:
- If you feel threatened call 911 immediately. It's better to be safe, and reporting these crimes helps raise awareness.
- Be aware as you walk to your care and walk with friends or co-workers.
- If you are bar-hopping, remember to walk with friends and in groups.
- Travel safely and soberly, and make sure to let friends know your plans.
- Trust your intuition - if something feels wrong, it probably is.
- Walk away from any individuals who seem threatening or are making anti-LGBT comments. Stay in well-lit, well-traveled areas.
- It's better to be proactive than reactive, especially when it comes to safety.
Pride Center of Western New York, Inc.
206 S. Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14201
P: 716-852-PRIDE
F: 716-847-0418
