National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (38 Articles with 108,536 total views)
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within LGBTQ communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs, affiliate organizations and individual affiliates who create systemic and social change. We strive to increase power, safety and resources through data analysis, policy advocacy, education and technical assistance.
February, 2018
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Projects Releases "A crisis of hate: Report on LGBTQ Hate Violence Homicides in 2017
New York, NY - January 22, 2018 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) today released their annual national research report on hate violence targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. In August 2017, NCAVP recorded the highest number of anti-LGBTQ homicides in their 20-year history of tracking and released a mid-year report to raise awareness of this disturbing increase. Since the release of that report in August of 2017, the number of reported homicides continued to increase, reaching a total of 52 reported anti-LGBTQ homicides in all of 2017 – the highest number ever recorded and an 86% increase from 2016.
December, 2017
August, 2017
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Ebony Morgan, a Black transgender woman killed in Lynchburg, VA
July 5, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the homicide of Ebony Morgan, a black transgender woman, killed in Lynchburg, Virginia on July 2nd, 2017. According to the Virginia Anti-Violence Project (VAVP), she was shot and died early Sunday morning at Lynchburg General Hospital. Local media originally misnamed and misgendered Ebony.
July, 2017
National Report on Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities Release
NATIONAL - June 12, 2017 -Today the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) released its 20th annual report Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Hate Violence in 2016. For this report - the most comprehensive of its kind - NCAVP collected data on 1,036 incidents of hate violence against LGBTQ and HIV-affected people from 12 local NCAVP member organizations in 11 states. States reporting were: Arizona, California, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Virginia, Vermont and Wisconsin.
NCAVP learns of an intimate partner violence homicide-suicide in Salt Lake City, Utah
June 23- 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the intimate partner violence related homicide of Richelle Horsley and the suicide of Fransiska Dastrup, which occurred the morning of June 22, 2017. According to local media reports, Horsley was found shot in a car next to another vehicle, and Dastrup was found away from the car with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to police, the two women were in a relationship and officers had responded to domestic disturbances in the past.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Ava Le'Ray Barrin, a black transgender teenage girl killed in Athens, GA
June 29, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the homicide of Ava Le'Ray Barrin, a black transgender teenage girl, killed in Athens, Georgia on June 25th, 2017. According to media reports, Ava was fatally shot after an argument with Jalen Brown, an acquaintance. Brown has been charged with her murder and aggravated assault. Ava, who was seventeen years old, is the youngest transgender person killed this year. Friends and family came from as far as Chicago to mourn and remember her life at a vigil in Athens on Monday.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Josie Berrios, a transgender woman of color killed in Ithaca, New York
June 15, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the homicide of Josie Berrios, a transgender woman of color, killed in Ithaca, New York on Tuesday, June 13th, 2017. According to media reports, Josie was found dead at a building site that was under construction. Michael Davis, 45, was arrested and charged in connection with Josie's death and is alleged to have had a personal relationship with her. Josie, who also went by the name Kendra Marie Adams, was remembered in an outpouring of love and grief by friends on social media.
NCAVP mourns the intimate partner violence homicide of Gerald Moore in Madison, Wisconsin
June 30, 2017- The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the intimate partner violence related homicide of Gerald Moore, which occurred on June 24, 2017. According to local media reports, Gerald died after being stabbed multiple times by Ronald Redeaux, his roommate. The two were in a relationship, and according to police, officers had responded to domestic disturbances at their home in the past; Redeaux had been arrested for domestic battery.
June, 2017
NCAVP has learned of the possible hate violence homicide of Imer Alvarado, in Fresno, California
May 22, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the possible hate-violence homicide of Imer Alvarado on the night of May 16th in Fresno, California. According to media reports, Imer was fatally shot multiple times, following a dispute with a suspect whom police are currently seeking. Though Imer was dressed in feminine-presenting clothing at the time of his death, friends remember him as being "a beautiful and loving spirit" who was part of the drag community, and say that he identified as a gay man. His life was memorialized in a vigil held by members of the LGBTQ and deaf communities.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Brenda Bostick, a Black transgender woman killed in New York City
May 6, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the death of Brenda Bostick, a 59-year-old Black transgender woman, who died on May 4th, 2017 from injuries sustained in an attack on April 25th, 2017 in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. According to media reports, Brenda Bostick was found unconscious with head trauma on Tuesday, April 25th. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she died of her injuries on May 4th, 2017. According to additional media sources, her injuries do not appear to be self-inflicted or caused by a fall and police are investigating her death as a homicide.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Sherrell Faulkner, a Black transgender woman killed in Charlotte, NC
May 22, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the death of Sherrell Faulkner, a Black transgender woman, killed in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to media reports, Sherrell was found beside a dumpster on November 30th, 2016 with trauma from an assault. She passed away from injuries related to that assault on May 16th, 2017. Sherell's cousin took to Facebook to mourn the loss of her cousin and say she was an "angel."
May, 2017
AVP mourns the death of a transgender woman in Chelsea, Manhattan
May 5, 2017 - AVP has learned of the death of a 59-year-old transgender woman in Chelsea. At the time of this alert, there is not much public information and we will update you online as we know more. According to media reports, a transgender woman was found unconscious with apparent head trauma last Thursday night on 7th Avenue and 29th Street in Manhattan. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she died of her injuries yesterday, May 4th, 2017. According to other media reports, her injuries do not appear to be self-inflicted or caused by a fall and police are investigating her death as a homicide.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Chay Reed, a Black transgender woman killed in Miami, Florida
April 27, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the death of Chay Reed, a Black transgender woman, killed in Miami, Florida on April 21st, 2017. According to media reports, she was shot while running across the street; her attacker fled the scene. Friends remembered Chay as a funny, caring friend who loved to dance and "was a light, always trying to make everyone around her happy."
April, 2017
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Alphonza Watson, a Black transgender woman killed in Baltimore, MD
March 27, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the death of Alphonza Watson, a Black transgender woman, killed in Baltimore, Maryland on March 22nd, 2017. According to media reports, she was shot to death in the early morning hours and two men were witnessed fleeing the scene. Alphonza's mother, Peggy Watson, called her the "the sunshine of our family" and talked about her daughter's love of cooking and gardening. "She was a very caring, passionate, fun person to be around, always in a talkative and playful mood," her mother remembered.
March, 2017
Advocates demand immediate release of undocumented transgender woman and survivor of domestic violence
NATIONAL - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs and Transgender Law Center denounce the arrest by immigration authorities of an undocumented transgender woman who is a survivor of domestic violence, and call for her immediate release. She was detained last week in an El Paso, Texas courthouse immediately after she was granted a protective order against her abusive partner.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Chyna Gibson, a Black transgender woman killed in New Orleans, Louisiana
February 26, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the death of Chyna Gibson, also known by her performing name, Chyna Doll Dupree, a Black transgender woman, killed in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 25, 2017. According to media reports, Chyna, a New Orleans native, was visiting for Mardi Gras and to see her family when she was shot and killed outside of a shopping center. Chyna was a well known and loved performer who toured the country. Following her homicide, there was an outpouring of support and memories of Chyna online. One friend said of Chyna: "My heart breaks as this community must find a way to honor you in death and begin to move forward. The stage will never be the same!"
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Ciara McElveen, a Black transgender woman killed in New Orleans, Louisiana
February 28, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the death of Ciara McElveen, a Black transgender woman, killed in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 27th, 2017. According to media reports, Ciara was found stabbed to death in the 7th Ward. Local media reports originally misgendered Ciara but local advocates and those who knew Ciara worked to correct press accounts. Ciara's homicide comes only two days after another Black transgender woman, Chyna Gibson, was shot and killed in New Orleans on February 25, 2017. Local transgender activist Syria Sinclaire spoke out about these recent homicides saying "We should have the right to live our lives open and free and not be taunted and traumatized by the general public if they don't approve."
NCAVP mourns the homicide of JoJo Striker, a Black transgender woman killed in Toledo, OH
February 14, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of JoJo Striker, a Black transgender woman, killed in Toledo, OH on February 8th, 2017; the 3rd reported killing of a transgender/gender nonconforming person NCAVP has responded to in 2017. All three homicide victims have been transgender women of color. Initial reports misgendered JoJo, but recent reports have used her correct pronouns, and though little information is available at the time, JoJo's mother believes the shooting was a hate crime. Many transgender activists and allies have spoken out in support of JoJo as the news of her death has emerged.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Keke Collier, a Black transgender woman killed in Chicago, IL
February 24, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Keke Collier, also known to friends as Tiara Richmond, a Black transgender woman, killed in Chicago, Illinois on February 22, 2017. She was shot to death while walking near her home. Keke's homicide is the 4rd reported killing of a transgender/gender nonconforming person NCAVP has responded to in 2017. All four homicide victims have been transgender women of color. Local media reports continue to misgender Tiara, but LGBTQ media sources correctly identified Tiara thanks to advocacy from her friends and local community activists.
February, 2017
NCAVP learns of the hate violence and intimate partner violence related homicides of Felicia and Miguel Barahona in NYC
January 17, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the hate violence and intimate partner violence related homicides of Felicia Barahona, age 36, and Miguel Barahona, age 4. According to media reports, Felicia and Miguel were found dead in their apartment on Monday, December 26th, 2016, and the child's father, Isaac Duran Infante, age 23, has been arrested in connection with the homicide. Infante allegedly told police that part of the motivation for the killing was that Felicia dressed their son in "girl's clothing" and referred to the child as a girl on Facebook. Felicia Barahona had been Duran's teacher at Dewitt Clinton High School, and she had initiated their relationship when he was underage.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of India Monroe, a transgender woman of color killed in Newport News, VA
January 6, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the intimate partner violence related homicide of India Monroe, a Black transgender woman killed in Newport News, Virginia on December 19th 2016. Original media initially misgendered Monroe, who was found dead in a home along with Mark Gray; both had died of gunshot wounds. According to a more recent article, Monroe's death has been determined a homicide and police are investigating it as a domestic incident. On social media, India's friends remembered her life and her sense of style, saying that she liked "looking amazing" and that she was always "so sweet and so kind and will truly be missed."
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Jamie Lee Wounded Arrow, a two-spirit transgender woman killed in Sioux Falls, SD
January 9, 2017 -The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Jamie Lee Wounded Arrow, a 28-year-old two-spirit transgender woman found dead in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on January 6th, 2017. According to Mic, her death is being investigated as a homicide. Jamie identified as two-spirit, a Native American/First Nations term that has historically encompassed many mixed-gender roles; she also identified as a transgender woman. Since her death, friends and family have expressed their love for Jamie on Facebook, describing her as "originally from the Pine Ridge Indian reservation and a proud Oglala Lakota trans woman" and concluding: "our hearts are broken as we will miss her very much."
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Mesha Caldwell, a transgender woman of color killed in Canton, Mississippi
January 6, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Mesha Caldwell, a Black transgender woman, killed in Canton, Mississippi on January 4th, 2017. According to Mic, she was initially misgendered by local press. In the wake of her death, friends, family and loved ones flooded social media with messages of love for Mesha.
January, 2017
NCAVP mourns the intimate partner violence homicide of Dalia Elhefny Sabae in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
December 5, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the intimate partner violence homicide of Dalia Elhefny Sabae, age 28, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania which occurred on November 10, 2016. According to media reports, Sabae, a bisexual woman, was allegedly killed by her husband, Michael Cwiklinski, age 47, against whom she had sought Orders of Protection in the past. During the homicide, a responding police officer was also killed, and Cwiklinski committed suicide. Sabae was 6 months pregnant at the time she was killed.
December, 2016
NCAVP Looks Toward Tomorrow and Beyond
November 10, 2016 - The last year has been challenging and heartbreaking for LGBTQ communities. We continued to see waves of anti-LGBTQ legislation pass in many states and cities across the country; we witnessed the horrific violence of the Pulse nightclub shooting, which claimed the lives of almost 50 LGBTQ people, most of whom were Latinx; and on the same day this country went to the polls to elect our next president, we learned of the homicide of Noony Norwood in Richmond, Virginia, marking the 23rd report of a homicide of a transgender or gender nonconforming person in 2016 and surpassing the tragic number of homicides that transgender and gender nonconforming communities experienced in 2015. We are still far from ending the discrimination and violence that LGBTQ communities- particularly LGBTQ communities of color, undocumented communities, incarcerated communities, and people with disabilities- experience every day in their workplaces, schools, relationships, and homes.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Noony Norwood, a transgender woman of color killed in Richmond, VA
November 8, 2016- The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Noony Norwood, age 30 a Black transgender woman, killed in Richmond, Virginia on November 6th, 2016. According to a Community Alert from local NCAVP member organization the Virginia Anti-Violence Project (VAVP), Noony Norwood was shot on the southside of Richmond on November 5th and died the next morning. VAVP' s Alert quotes Norwood' s longtime friend Zakia McKensey as saying "Noony' s energy always brightened the room. She cared about her community and always lifted up and supported her friends and family."
NCAVP mourns the possible hate violence homicide of Deon L. Brown in Nashville, Tennesse
November 22, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Deon L. Brown in Nashville, Tennessee. According to media reports, Deon Brown's body was found on Monday morning, November 14th, in the parking lot of a local trucking business in West Nashville. He had been stabbed to death. Friends of Deon have stated that he identified as a gay male, although at the time of his death he was reportedly dressed in feminine attire. Friends and family spoke out in the press, urging this to be investigated as a hate crime. There has been an outpouring of messages on social media in Brown's memory, many tagged with #JusticeForDeon.
November, 2016
2015 Report on Intimate Partner Violence in LGBTQ and HIV-Affected Communities in the U.S. Released
NATIONAL - October 18, 2016 -Today the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) released its report Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Intimate Partner Violence in 2015. The report looks at the experiences of 1,976 survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) who reported to 17 NCAVP member organizations from 14 states across the country, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Vermont.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Brandi 'Chill' Bledsoe, a transgender woman of color killed in Cleveland, Ohio
October 13, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Brandi "Chill" Bledsoe, age 32, a Black transgender woman, killed in Cleveland, Ohio on October 8, 2016. According to media reports, Brandi Blesoe was found dead in a driveway in what is suspected to be a homicide. Initial media reports and the medical examiner misgendered Bledsoe, and her family, friends and activists online called out local media for their error and brought attention to her tragic death. Bledsoe's cousin, John Cragget, spoke with the press about his cousin, saying of Bledsoe, "She was really beautiful. She was really sweet and nice."
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Jazz Alford, a transgender woman of color killed in Birmingham, Alabama
October 7, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Jazz Alford, age 30, a Black transgender woman, killed in Birmingham, Alabama on September 23rd, 2016. According to media reports, Jazz Alton was found shot to death at the Kings Inn. Jazz Alton's sister, Toya Milan, corrected her misgendering in the local press and spoke out saying "She was such a loving person, and we didn't know anybody that would want to hurt her. It's been a hard pill to swallow."
NCAVP mourns the intimate partner violence homicide of Ava Tucker in Henrico County, VA
November 1, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the intimate partner violence homicide of Ava Tucker, age 26, in Henrico County, Virginia which occurred on October 27th, 2016. According to local media reports, Ava's ex-girlfriend, Sheena Yolanda Wilson, age 33, confessed to her homicide and turned herself in to police. Ava's sister, Latesha Tucker, has spoken out, calling Ava a "beautiful person" and a "beautiful soul."
October, 2016
NCAVP mourns the hate violence-related homicides of Danielle M. Smith and Teresa A. Jackson in Camden County, Missouri
September 7, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the double homicide of Danielle M. Smith, 27, and her mother, Teresa A. Jackson, 61, on Saturday, August 29th, 2016. A neighbor, Steven Ray Endsley, 54, has been arrested in connection with the murders. According to media reports, there was an ongoing dispute between Endsley and Danielle Smith, who was an out lesbian, over her sexual orientation. The homicides are being investigated as a possible hate crime. The family has set up a Go Fund Me page to help lay their loved ones to rest.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Crystal Edmonds, a transgender woman of color killed in Baltimore, Maryland
September 19, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Crystal Edmonds, a Black transgender woman, in Baltimore, Maryland. According to local media reports, Crystal was shot to death on Fairview Avenue in Northwest, Baltimore on Friday, September 16, 2016.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of T.T. Saffore, a transgender woman of color killed in Chicago, Illinois
September 15, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of T.T. Saffore, a Black transgender woman, in Chicago, Illinois. According to media source the Windy City Times, T.T. was found murdered in Chicago's Garfield Park the night of Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. Jaliyah Armstrong, a friend of T.T.'s who organized a vigil in her honor, said: "T.T. was a lovely person. She was laughing all the time. You could be going through a bad day but once you saw [T.T.], she was such a happy cheerful person all that changed." Local police and media originally misgendered T.T., and in response, Armstrong spoke out about the police abuse transgender women face and the need for the Chicago Police Department and local media to take transgender women's lives and deaths seriously.
September, 2016
NCAVP learns of the intimate partner violence homicide of Bernardo Almonte in the Bronx, New York
August 23, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of an intimate partner violence (IPV) homicide of Bernardo Almonte in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx, New York, which occurred on Friday, August 19th, 2016. According to media reports, Bernardo was found dead with head trauma in his apartment, and his boyfriend, Marcus Bellamy, has been arrested and charged with murder.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Erykah Tijerina, a transgender woman of color killed in El Paso, Texas
August 11, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Erykah Tijerina, a Latinx transgender woman, in El Paso, Texas. According to local media reports, Erykah was found dead inside the Rio Grande Apartments on Monday, August 8th, and police have said the scene showed signs of foul play. Local police and media originally misnamed and misgendered when reporting, but were quickly corrected by Erykah's family. Erykah's sisters spoke out, saying that Erykah was funny, giving and unapologetic about who she was. "She's the one that told me to stay strong and not care," Pearl Tijerina told reporters. The family has set up a GoFundMe account to assist with Erykah's funeral costs.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Rae'Lynn Thomas, a transgender woman of color killed in Columbus, Ohio
August 12, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Rae'Lynn Thomas, a Black transgender woman, in Columbus, Ohio. According to media reports, Rae'Lynn, was shot and killed by her mother's ex-boyfriend, James Allen Byrd, who was living with her family at the time of the homicide. According to Rae'Lynn's family members, Byrd was transphobic, and referred to Rae'Lynn as "the devil" before killing her. Rae'Lynn's family is asking police to investigate this as a hate crime, and Shannon Thomas, Rae'Lynn's aunt, told reporters: "He took a light away from all of us that we can't get back." An additional media report in the Columbus Dispatch, which misnames and misgenders Rae'Lynn, reports that the homicide occurred on Wednesday, August 10th, 2016.
August, 2016
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Skye Mockabee, a transgender woman of color killed in Cleveland, Ohio
August 2, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Skye Mockabee, a black transgender woman, in Cleveland, Ohio. According to local media reports, Skye Mockabee was found murdered in a parking lot in the Puritas-Longmead neighborhood on Saturday, July 30th. Local press reports that Skye is the 4th transgender woman killed in Cuyahoga County, Ohio in the last 4 years. Initial police and media reports misnamed and misgendered the victim.
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within LGBTQ communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs, affiliate organizations and individual affiliates who create systemic and social change. We strive to increase power, safety and resources through data analysis, policy advocacy, education and technical assistance.
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