This is Vincent and David’s story, an example of how LGB people can feel harassed and unsafe in their own homes and neighbourhoods.
The idea that your home could be attacked because of your sexuality seems ludicrous – but for Vincent Creelan and David McCauley it became a grim reality.
Their home was attacked on various occasions from August 2007 until around July 2008. The couple, who are in a civil partnership, have a comfortable home in a good location with friendly neighbours. Vincent retired from the police 11 years ago while David runs an IT company.
When the attacks became regular and more frequent, they installed CCTV to watch for the perpetrators in the small hours at the weekends. It gradually became clear to them that this harassment was being done by a small group of local youths. |
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“They threw everything they could get their hands on at the house; from stones and eggs to pieces of masonry. The attacks were random but sustained over a long period of time,” Vincent said. “David and I were living in fear in our own home; a place where we should be able to relax and be safe – that is a terrible feeling.”
All incidents were reported to police, but the couple felt the investigation of what were homophobic hate crimes fell well short of PSNI standards. Vincent said: “ I do not believe that we received the support and investigation that our complaints should have generated.”
The couple, supported by the Equality Commission, took a discrimination case against the PSNI alleging that failure to investigate their complaints was because of their sexual orientation. The PSNI settled the case without admission of liability.
“It is frustrating that in this day and age that we were considered a target because we are a same-sex couple,” David said.
“We have been together now for fifteen years. We have some great neighbours who were very friendly throughout and we decided to stay in our home, despite everything. What we want most is to live in peace with our good neighbours, family and friends and to enjoy life.”