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A team of 19 hate crime advocates have been funded by the Northumbria Police Commissioner to educate officers about LGBT issues.

Northumbria Police Commissioner Dame Vera Baird has funded the training of 19 hate crime advocates, who will work with the police and criminal justice system to raise awareness and understanding of LGBT issues.

The team will also work with victims by signposting them to support services and offering them one-to-one guidance.

Dame Vera said: “Many victims of LGBT hate crime find it difficult to report what has happened to them, and that’s why it’s so important to have these specially trained advocates to build confidence in those who have suffered abuse.

“I’m delighted to fund this initiative that will see these champions bring LGBT issues to the forefront of the legal system and ensure our police are trained to the highest standard in understanding the needs of this community.”

(Image: newcastle chronicle)

The advocates have been trained and recruited by the LGBT Federation North East, which works to bring together LGBT groups.

The volunteers - who are part of the LGBT community - will deliver training to police officers and provide them with an insight into the impact of LGBT hate crime.

According to the national 2016 Hate Crime Report, four out of five LGBT people in the UK have experienced hate crime. One quarter of those surveyed have also been subject to violence.

Louise Evan-Wong, from The Fed, said: “This is an incredibly important service run by LGBT volunteers for LGBT people. Across the country, many of those who do report a hate crime of this nature feel that professionals they spoke to did not have a good grasp of LGBT issues.

“This funding from Northumbria PCC and Awards4All will see that those who have suffered abuse in the North East can have their voices heard by professionals who will understand the full impact of their experience.”