Abuse leaves mum and daughter feeling unsafe
Patricia and Tina Hobby have lived in Pershore for more than 50 years A mother and daughter from Worcestershire say abuse has left them scared to step outside their home. Patricia Hobby, 83, from Pershore has lived in the area for more than 50 years but is now considering leaving.
She said local children target her trans daughter Tina, 57, by throwing stones, spitting and calling her names, as well as targeting their house. West Mercia Police said it was investigating, following up to 10 reports about the abuse being made by the pair. Mrs Hobby said her daughter "keeps being bullied" when she is in public, with children following her home.
Faecal and mud marks have been left on the walls of the house, with other projectiles cracking windows and shattering a light fixture.
'Worse when it's dark'
Mrs Hobby claims the public abuse of her daughter started last March with the attacks on their home during the summer. The experiences have left them feeling unable to relax at home. "I feel uncomfortable because you can't sit and have a rest.
When it's dark it's even worse," she said. Mrs Hobby highlighted how children have been banging on their door, and shouting through the letterbox. "I don't want to live here anymore," she continued.
"I don't know when they're going to throw something at the window or do something else next. We're not safe here anymore."
Tina, who is currently transitioning, is disabled and struggles with her mental health. According to Mrs Hobby, the harassment has taken a toll on her daughter's mental and physical health, and she has lost a lot of weight. She reported the abuse to the West Mercia Police around five to 10 times, with some reports being twice a day.
The abuse has left her feeling helpless. "I can't do anything," she said. "I tell them off and they're rude to me. [They say] I'm a stupid old lady." Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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