Hate Crime

Important Contacts

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Stop Homophobic, Transphobic, Racial, Religious and Disability
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http://www.report-it.org.uk/home

In an emergency call 999

Non emergency numbers are 0300 333 4444. Alternatively for those with speech or hearing difficulties, Minicom 01245 45282, or Type Talk 07624 800101

Essex police do have specialist Hate Crime Officers so do not gesitate to ask to speak to them.

You can also complete a ‘Self reporting form‘.

 

What is Hate Crime?

Hate Crime is any incident, which may constitute a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice regardless of the individual’s age or vulnerability:

  • Race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins, includes Gypsy’s and Travellers.
  • Religion/Faith and can include no faith.
  • Gender or gender identity often referred to as Transphobia – resentment or fear of transgender people, transsexual people or transvestite people.
  • Sexual orientation includes Homophobia and is resentment or fear of gay people, lesbian and bisexual people.
  • Disability -
    Disability can be any sensory, physical, mental impairment or learning difficulties

Hate crime can take many forms including:

  • Physical attacks – such as physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti, neighbour disputes and arson
  • Threat of attack – including offensive letters, abusive or obscene telephone calls, groups hanging around to intimidate and unfounded, malicious complaints, dirty looks and intimidating stares.
  • Verbal abuse or insults, abusive gestures
  • Other abuse – offensive leaflets and posters, dumping of rubbish outside homes or through letterboxes, theft or fraud, bullying at home, on line, school or in the workplace.
  • Bullying can also be part of other forms of abuse, including neglect, emotional, financial, physical and sexual abuse.

What can I do?

  • Firstly recognise that it is happening to you
  • Secondly accept that you are not to blame, you may feel less confident if you are having a hard time
  • Thirdly GET HELP!

Tell someone that you can trust and never be afraid to ask for help.

In an emergency dial 999 or 112 (112 is a European equivalent number that works in UK.)

For those with hearing or speech impairments use Minicom line: 01245 452828.

There is a language line available to take details for those who do not speak English.

Other facilities to contact Essex Police for non emergencies are the use of Type Talk via BT and Text line 07624 800101.

Alternatively you can call the Non Emergency number for Essex Police on 0300 333 4444 to report any incident of crime.

Essex Police also have Hate Crime Officers, whose numbers are published towards the end of this page.

What can we do for you?

Essex Police does not tolerate hate crime and they will take positive action if a crime has been identified.

Hate Crime Officers will assist you in dealing with what has happened to you.

Hate Crime Officers have established links with other criminal justice agencies, as well as many public and voluntary sector organisations, which may be able to provide a victim with other support or advice.

Hate Crime Officers and local community groups do work together to try and find a solution to the problem.

Essex Police will treat all victims of crime in a professional and sensitive manner and will respect confidentiality as far as possible.

Hate Crime Officers will:

  • Support you
  • Give you guidance
  • Stay in touch
  • Find Help for you

What happens when police attend?

After reporting an incident of Hate Crime a Police officer will visit you* and will ask a number of questions, completing a questionnaire to establish as much detail as possible about the offence to ensure an effective investigation.

A statement will be taken from you and the Police Officer in attendance will assist you in this process.

Not only will this enable the officer to consider the next appropriate course of action, but also allows Police to assess the risk posed to you by the offender, allowing Police to offer you the appropriate support.

* Due to operational needs it may not be a Hate Crime Officer that may visit you initially

Personal Safety tips

  • Stay alert, awareness is your best defence
  • If you are going out alone, do tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you back (particularly on a first date)
  • Leave venues with friends where ever possible
  • Be confident- even if you do not feel it
  • Walk as if you know where you are going
  • Trust your instincts– If you think something is wrong then act upon it
  • Have your keys in your hand until you reach your home or car
  • Keep money for bus or taxis, the expense is worth it
  • Carry a personal alarm and use it

If you experience Hate Crime

  • Make as much noise as you can
  • As soon as you can, go somewhere you know is safe and get help
  • In an emergency dial 999 or 112 (only call 0300 333 4444 if it’s not an emergency)
  • If you have the confidence, tell the Police why you think it happened
  • If you have been attacked or sexually assaulted or raped, don’t shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence
  • If you have had your keys taken, change the locks
  • Don’t drink alcohol after an incident as you will need to give a clear account of what happened
  • If you don’t have the confidence to tell the Police, use the one in this booklet or use a third party reporting centre, many local authorities have trained members who will help you complete a self reporting form – contact details at the reverse of this booklet.
  • Call Crimestoppers and report it anonymously, your calls cannot be traced, nor recorded:
    Call 0800 555 111.

- Source Essex Police