2011 saw an increase in the severity of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected (LGBTQH) communities—in fact, the year marked the highest number of hate violence murders ever recorded, according to an annual report from the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP). The report shows that despite a slight overall decline in LGBTQH-related reports of hate violence, there were 30 hate violence murders in 2011, indicating an 11 percent increase from 2010. Findings revealed that some groups experienced higher levels of violence: 87 percent of all these murder victims were people of color; immigrants, transgender people, teens and young adults were also disproportionately impacted by hate violence in 2011. In addition, only 52 percent of survivors reported the incidents to the police and nearly 20 percent of them reported that police attitudes were hostile. Of survivors who disclosed their HIV status, 42 percent were HIV positive. NCAVP is a coalition of local membership programs that work to prevent and respond to violence against LGBTQH communities.

To read the NCAVP report, click here.