External Support, Advice and Guidance
Support
- Samaritans - You can call for free on 116 123 for non-judgemental emotional support 24/7, regardless of what you’re going through. You can also email them at jo@samaritans.org.
- Stop Hate UK - Stop Hate UK works to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. They provide independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.
- SARI - A charity focused on supporting victims of hate crimes and racist incidents in Avon and Somerset. They have trained case workers who can offer you support. You can call them at 0117 942 0060 or fill out an online form.
- SupportLine - A charity providing information and emotional support by phone and email for high-risk and more vulnerable or isolated groups in society.
- TogetherAll - An anonymous 24/7 online global community with support from trained professionals which you can log onto using your university email address.
Advice and Guidance
- True Vision offers guidance on reporting hate crime and hate incidents. If you do not wish to talk to anyone in person about the incident or wish to remain anonymous there is an online form for reporting hate crime; you can report non-crime hate incidents to the police to try and prevent any escalation in seriousness. They also have a list of organisations that can offer support. True Vision also provide further information on internet hate crime.
Beyond the contacts above, you might wish to read some external advice and guidance or get specialist support from one of the below external stakeholders, depending on the type of incident and/or the protected characteristic on the basis of which you were targeted:
Race and Religious Hate Crime
Racist and religious crime is particularly hurtful to victims as they are being targeted solely because of their personal identity: their actual or perceived racial or ethnic origin, belief or faith. These crimes can happen randomly or be part of a campaign of continued harassment and victimisation.
Support
- Tell MAMA: a portal where you may address your concerns and record any incident that you experience as a result of your Muslim faith or someone perceiving you to be Muslim. By using their ‘Submit a Report‘ section, you can describe the details of any abuse suffered, whether verbal or physical, and then add in the location of the attack so that they can effectively map incidents across England. They can also refer you for support through partner agencies if you have been a victim of an Anti-Muslim incident. Tell MAMA on 0800 456 1226, or via WhatsApp 0734 184 6086
- Community Security Trust (CST) is a charity that offers support and advice to British Jews who have faced antisemitism. You can report an antisemitic incident via their online reporting form. Their national emergency helpline is available 24 hours - 0800 032 3263.
- The Chinese Information and Advice Centre in Chinatown, London has a service to support people to report hate crime. You can drop-in to the service, Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm. Or call 0300 201 1868 or email info@ciac.co.uk
- GRT Racism is a hate incident reporting site for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in the UK. You can also access support services, it is run by members of the community. You can report online, or call 07534 790 984, Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm.
- On Your Side is a reporting portal for anyone who identifies as part of an East or Southeast Asian community. You can make a report online, via the phone or via chat online. The team can also offer support in various Eastern and Southeastern Asian languages, as well as in English.
Advice and Guidance
- Citizens Advice on Racist and Religious Hate Crime. Citizens Advice provides further information on racist and religious hate crime.
- CPS Policy on Prosecuting Racist & Religious Hate crimes. The Crown Prosecuting Service sets out their policy and provides further information.
Homophobic and Transphobic Hate Crime
In the past, incidents against lesbian, gay, bisexual people or transgender people have been rarely reported and even more rarely prosecuted. Research studies suggest that victims of, or witnesses to, such incidents have very little confidence in the criminal justice system.
Support
- Switchboard is a charity providing an LGBT+ helpline via phone, online chat, or email to get emotional support. Call 0800 0119 100, 7 days a week, 10 am - 10 pm, or use the webchat, which is available from 3 pm.
- Galop runs the National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence. They offer support and information for people who have experienced violence or abuse, which may include but is not limited to hate crimes, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence, or domestic abuse. You can reach them on 0800 999 5428. You can also email them or speak to an adviser on a webchat. Support is available Monday - Thursday 10 am - 8.30 pm, and Friday 10 am - 4.30 pm.
- Mermaids support children and young people up to 20 years old who are transgender and/or gender diverse, their families, and professionals involved in their care. Their helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9 am - 9 pm. Times may vary on bank holidays - 0808 801 0400.
- Gendered Intelligence’s Support Line offers independent and confidential support to trans and non-binary patients (and their families) undergoing the NHS gender care waiting list and assessment process. They are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 2-7 pm; and Wednesday and Friday 10-3 pm. Call them on 0330 3559 678 or email SupportLine@GenderedIntelligence.co.uk, or you can send a Whatsapp to 07592 650 496
- Zoteria is a new app which has been created by Stonewall, Galop and Vodaphone Foundation. You can report hate crimes, and also access support. The app also contains ways to build community and connections with local LGBTQ+ communities.
Advice and Guidance
- Citizens Advice on Homophobic and Transphobic Hate Crime. Citizens Advice provides further information on homophobic and transphobic hate crime.
- CPS policy on Prosecuting Homophobic and Transphobic Hate Crimes. The Crown Prosecuting Service sets out their policy and provides further information.
Disability Hate Crime
Feeling and being unsafe through violence, harassment or negative stereotyping has a significant impact on disabled people's sense of security and wellbeing. It also impacts significantly on their ability to participate both socially and economically in their communities.
Support
- Real disability action against hate crime: Real is a registered third party reporting centre to assist those who’ve experienced disability related hate incidents. They can explain all the reporting options available to you, so you are in control of the choices you make – 020 7001 2177, email disabilityhatecrime@real.org.uk
Advice and Guidance
- Citizens Advice on Disability Hate Crime. Citizens Advice provides further information on disability related hate crime.
- CPS policy on prosecuting Disability Hate Crimes. The Crown Prosecuting Service sets out their policy and provides further information.