Homophobic attacks - Reporting of crimes will help others

THE gardaí launched a nationwide advertising campaign yesterday to encourage members of the gay and lesbian community to report the growing number of homophobic attacks in recent months.

Senior gardaí are particularly concerned about the number of attacks that go unreported, because those who have been assaulted fear further victimisation because of their lifestyle.

A survey conducted by the gardaí in 2000 found that 80% of gay people did not report assaults. This is a disturbing statistic in view of both the growing number and intensifying severity of such attacks.