This factsheet presents the findings of a survey conducted by Barama to assess the level of trust in law enforcement agencies (the police) and reporting tendencies among LGBTI+ individuals in Azerbaijan.

Data collection was carried out between July 2025 and March 2026, with a total of 193 individuals participating in the survey. 16 responses were excluded from the analysis due to incompleteness.

Of these, 30 responses were collected through focus group discussions, while the remaining responses were gathered via online outreach and direct individual invitations.

What do the results tell us?

1

1 out of every 3 respondents has had contact with law enforcement (the police) within the last 3 years. The absolute majority reported being detained by the police rather than seeking help.

2

Contact with the police is predominantly observed in major cities. In particular, Baku and its surroundings rank first by a wide margin (35). Ganja (9) and Sumgait (7) are other notable cities.

3

Among respondents indicating police contact (56): 4 out of every 5 (46) faced psychological pressure (intimidation, humiliation, and verbal abuse). 2 out of every 5 (27) were subjected to proposals of a sexual nature. 1 out of every 5 (16) was subjected to physical violence (beating, torture).

4

Among respondents indicating police contact (56), only 8 respondents indicated they would seek help from the police, compared to 26 out of 121 among those without recent contact.

5

9 out of every 10 (159 ) believe that the police are completely ineffective in combating hate crimes and discrimination against LGBTI+ individuals in Azerbaijan, or that the situation has even worsened.

6

8 out of every 10 (143) state that they do not trust the police at all to protect their rights and would not approach the police if they face any discrimination or violence in the future. As to primary deterrent reasons: every 9 believe they will encounter mistreatment (re-traumatization). every 7 believe that their complaint will remain inconclusive. every 6 believe that their identity will be exposed to their family.

7

The absolute majority of trans respondents believe they would face insults and violence when approaching police, while 3 out of every 4 gay respondents share the same concern.

8

Trans women face the highest rates of all forms of abuse during police contact, with nearly every trans woman reporting psychological, sexual, and physical abuse.

9

9 out of every 10 consider awareness-raising for law enforcement officers necessary, while every 8 believe it is essential to establish safe reporting mechanisms for LGBTI+ and other vulnerable groups under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

10

Although support for structural reforms is remarkably high among all respondents, those who have had past contact with the police constitute a higher proportion compared to those without such firsthand experience.
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