INFORMATION

The self-reporting information packs have the following leaflets in which can also be viewed on this site. Click on the links to take you to that area on this page.
SELF REPORTING, WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
WHAT IS HATE CRIME?

Hate crime is any offence committed against a person or property which is motivated by the offender's hatred of people because they are seen as being different.

You don't have to be from a minority community to be a victim of hate crime.

Hate crime hurts, it can be confusing and frightening. By reporting it, you may be able to prevent these crimes from happening to someone else.

Reporting makes a difference... to you, your friends, your life.
HOW CAN I REPORT AND INCIDENT?

There are a number of ways you can report 'hate crime':

  • phone the police There are specially trained police officers in your area, who can speak to you in confidence.
  • self reporting Use the form contained within this pack, to report an incident. You do not have to give your personal details.
  • internet reporting Some police forces allow you to report 'hate crime' on-line, check out your local police website.
  • incident reporting centres Many local agencies have trained members who will help you complete a self-reporting form. They can also report the incident on your behalf and provide you with advice and support.

WHAT CAN I REPORT?

Any incident where you or anyone else has been targeted because they or you are believed to be different:

  • race
  • religion
  • sexuality
  • gender identity
  • or have a disability

Domestic abuse involving anyone which you have a close relationship with; e.g. your current or previous partner.
WHY REPORT IT?
 
The self-reporting system allows you as the victim, witness, parent, career or any concerned person to report an incident to the police by giving us as little or as much personal information as you wish.
By filling out the for you will:
Enable police and partnership agencies to build up patterns of behaviour, highlight areas of concern and provide us with a 'True Vision' of hate crime within your community
 

Without your details... the report will be used for monitoring purposes to get a true vision of what is happening.
With your details... the incident can be investigated fully and you can get the service you deserve and the support you need.
 
 
Click on the 'Self Reporting Form' link on the left menu bar to self-report online.
 

KEEP SAFE, BE STREETWISE
Personal safety tips:
  • stay alert, awareness is your best defence
  • leave venues with friends wherever possible
  • be confident - even if you don't feel it
  • walk as if you know where you are going
  • trust your instincts: if you think something is wrong then act on it
  • have your keys in your hand when you reach your home or car
  • keep money for taxis, the expense is worth it
  • carry a personal alarm and use it

If you are a victim:
  • make as much noise as you can
  • as soon as you can, go somewhere you know is safe
  • get help immediately
  • in an emergency dial 999 or 112
  • if you have the confidence, tell the police why you think you were attacked
  • if you have been attacked, don't shower r change your clothes, it may destroy evidence
  • if you have had your keys taken, change the locks
  • don't drink alcohol, you need to give a clear account of what happened
  • use the reporting systems to report the incident if you don't have the confidence to tell the police
  • use a third party reporting centre or use the self-reporting form on this web site or in the packs
 
If you are a witness:
  • in an emergency dial 999 or 112
  • stay alert and safe
  • don't physically intervene, you could get hurt
  • as soon as you can, write down everything that you can remember about the incident
  • report the incident either to a local support agency or the police directly
 
Hate crime hurts, it can be confusing and frightening. By reporting it to the police you may be able to prevent these crimes happening to someone else.
Internet safety tips:
The internet provides endless opportunities to meet people from all over the world. You must however remember to use common sense. It's easy to get swept-up into a fantasy world, but reality begs for us to use caution.
 
  • don't give out personal details, photographs, or any other information that could be used to identify you, your family, or where you live
  • don't take other people at face value - they may not be what they seem
  • never arrange to meet someone you've only ever previously met on the internet, without telling a friend and giving them as much detail about the person that you're meeting
  • don't open an attachment or downloaded files unless you know and trust the person who has sent it
  • never respond directly to anything you find disturbing - log off, and report it
Top

DOMESTIC ABUSE
What is domestic abuse?

Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender means that you have the same right to be protected from domestic abuse in the same way as anyone else.

If you are suffering physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse, or are being threatened or intimidated by a current or former partner, you have experienced domestic abuse. It can happen anywhere - a pub or club, in the street or at work - it doesn't just happen in your home environment.

You may be feeling frightened, isolated, ashamed and confused but you are not alone and above all, you do not have to suffer in silence; help is available.

Remember you are not to blame for what is happening. Your abuser is responsible for their actions - not you!
How can the police help?

If you are suffering abuse, you can contact us by ringing your local police station or by dialling 999 or 112 in an emergency. You may think that because you are in a same sex relationship your complaint will not be listened to or you will face ridicule or prejudice.

> our first priority is to ensure your safety.
> you will be dealt with sympathetically, professionally and will be spoken to separately from the person responsible for the abuse.
> to protect you, we will take firm and positive action against your abuser and hold them accountable for their actions.

Family having problems

Are people in your family having problems with you being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender?

When a family finds out someone they love is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, reactions for both sides can become stressful.

On some occasions family members can become abusive, threatening you emotionally and/or physically. Over time family's feelings of shame, anger, bitterness and disappointment often gets less, or goes completely.

Some families react better than expected.

If you are experiencing abuse from your family or carer then you can make a difference by reporting it.
 
Report it

If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and are being abused within your relationship or family then you CAN make a difference by reporting it!

You don't have to press charges if you don't want to, but you will get the support and advice you need. A secure confidential place to stay can be arranged if needed.

Confidential Reporting Systems:
Phone the police or a local agency for help and advice. Fill in a self reporting form. Contact an incident reporting centre for advice and support.

Report it and make a difference to your life.
 
National contact numbers

Broken Rainbow Network 07812 644 914
24hr National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
Childline 0800 1111
National Drugs helpline 0800 77 66 00
Victim Support line 0845 30 30 900
The Samaritans 08457 90 90 90
Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222

There are a variety of groups and agencies in your area that can help. Contact your local police station for further information.
 
Top
 
BULLYING
 
What is homophobic or transphobic bullying?

Are you or someone you know...

> being called names?
> being pushed, hassled or threatened?
> being beaten up, spat at or kicked?
> having your things taken or damaged?
> being made fun of or called names by anyone?
 

Homophobia is: any abuse because you are or people think you are lesbian, gay or bisexual

Transphobia is... any abuse because you are or people think you are transgender

Bullying is... any action against any person or group, who may be seen as different
 
Personal safety
> if you can, walk away
> go somewhere safe
> keep saying the same thing -'go away... go away'
> stay alert
> try to be with people you trust - not alone
> be confident (even if you don't feel it!)
> report it immediately
What can i do about it?
> talking through your problems will make a difference and help you to think through how to sort them out
> tell someone what's happening... teacher, friends, parents and LGBT friendly organisations, including the police
> fill out a self reporting form in the packs
> report what's happening on-line
 
Tell someone

Don't suffer in silence, if you can't get anyone to listen to you, contact your local LGBT group who can offer you advice and support.

Not everyone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender will experience bullying in school, college or the workplace. If it does happen, it is important you tell someone.
 
Policies and procedures

Schools and colleges should have policies/procedures that protect you from discrimination and bullying.

Don't suffer in silence, if you can't get your school or college to listen to you, contact the LGBT switchboard or one of the many LGBT youth groups that can offer you advice and support.

You're not alone.
Tell someone

If you are, or know someone who is being bullied because of his or her race, religion, sexuality or gender, don't be afraid to tell someone.

If you can't tell a teacher, family or friend, you can tell someone by using a self-reporting form.

Every report is taken seriously and could help to stop you and others suffering hate crime.

Please tell someone if you are being bullied.

 
Police

> don't be afraid to report homophobic or transphobic abuse to the police
> we call this type of crime 'hate crime'.
> the police deal with hate crime regularly and can offer you help and support
> what you tell us will be dealt with sensitively and professionally
> you will be taken seriously, if you don't want to report it to the police, contact a support agency
 
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