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high number of unreported cases
The number of unreported crimes or crimes not recorded as politically motivated crime is estimated to be up to 90%. This means that the actual national and state-wide number of cases of LGBTIQ*-hostile crimes is likely to be many times higher than the figures published by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Schleswig-Holstein state police.
Possible reasons for the low reporting rate are
- Ignorance that a criminal offense has been committed
- Fear of further violence by the perpetrators
- Assumption that the police cannot solve the case
- Fear of discrimination by the police
- Shame of those affected of having been attacked because of their sexual or gender identity
No one should refrain from seeking help and reporting a crime.
enlight the dark field
why is it important to report crimes?
- So that the perpetrators are punished and do not repeat the crime
Perpetrators think that queer people are easy victims. By filing a criminal complaint, you trigger a police investigation into the crime. This makes it clear to perpetrators that LGBTIQ*-hostile crimes will be taken seriously and prosecuted.
- So that you receive justice and because it is your right
Sexual and gender identity are protected by the state as part of the general right of personality. By filing a criminal complaint, you are defending yourself against what has happened to you. This can help you process what you have experienced and take action for yourself and your rights. So you can get justice.
- Making hate crime more visible
By filing a criminal complaint, you make hate crime more visible in many ways. Hate crime is reported in a separate statistic for politically motivated crime. Realistic case numbers help to raise awareness of anti-LGBTIQ* hate in society. By reporting a crime, you send a signal to the LGBTIQ* community in particular. This makes you a role model for others and shows solidarity with the community.
