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Firstly, you must ensure you put your safety first. If you witness a hate crime or hate incident don't intervene if there is a risk you will be hurt.
In an emergency call the police by dialing 999. If it's a non-emergency, or you're reporting the incident some time after it has occured, call the police by dialing 101.
If you feel safe to do so, diversion tactics such as asking in the victim for the time, or directions can help defuse the situation and stop the perpetrator from continuing. Engaging in conversation with the victim will also help them to feel less isolated.
However big or small you think the incident is, you have a right to report violence and abuse you've experienced as a result of your sexual or gender orientation. When you report hate crimes you help to ensure LGBTQ+ communities are acknowledged and become part of the movement to stop hate.
Government reports suggests that the majority of hate crimes and hate incidents go unreported. Many LGBTQ+ victims cite mistrust in the police, risk of not being taken seriously and not having enough evidence against the perpetrator as reason why they wouldn't report. However, your report can have more impact than you might think.
After the incident, make a note of all the details to make it easier to recall the details again at a later date.
If you are in immediate danger and need police assistance call 999.
In other instances, the police can be contacted on 101.
If you don't feel you're able to speak to the police third-party reporting centres can report on your behalf.
We have created a pack to give you further information and help in reporting hate crimes and hate incidents.
