Police Turn Blind Eye to Homosexual Victims of Crime in Durban of South Africa

Abstract

This study focused on the perceptions of gays and lesbians regarding the role of the police in dealing with crimes committed against them in Durban. The study explored types of crimes committed against gays and lesbians, and their perceptions on the efforts of the South African Police Service in dealing with crimes reported by them. A qualitative research method was used to elicit the data. A sample of 15 participants (7 gay men and 8 lesbian women) was purposively selected. Interviews were used to collect data and it was analysed by means of a thematic analysis. The findings revealed homosexual victims experience crimes such as “corrective” rape, assault, sexual harassment and hate crime. These crimes committed against them are not investigated. Recommends: the police should be trained to deal fairly and more professionally when crime is reported by homosexual victims. Laws should be established that deal specifically with crimes that are motivated by hate based on sexual orientation.