Support for victims of Hate Crimes

Victim Support is the national charity for victims of crime and witnesses.

Nationally, Victim Support help over 1.5 million victims of crime each year. They provide free emotional support and practical help to victims. They are independent and their services are confidential so you can talk to them even If you don’t want to speak to the police.

In Leicestershire, Victim Support has a dedicated hate crime service. If you have been a victim of a hate crime, witnessed an incident or want to help someone you know who has been a victim, they can help. They can give you support and reassurance, and help you to deal with problems the crime might have caused.

Victim Support’s specially trained hate crime volunteers can:

• Help you to cope with the emotional effects of being a victim of hate crime
• Support you and other members of your family if necessary
• Help you to get in touch with other organisations that can help if there are problems they can’t deal with
• Help you to deal with other agencies, such as the police or housing department
• Give you advice on safety and home security
• Organise practical help after a break in at your home, such as repairs to broken locks or removal of graffiti.

Help at court

If you report a hate crime to the police, the offender may have to go to court. That means you could be asked to appear as a witness. If you do, Victim Support’s Witness Service will be there to help before, during and after the trial. They will give you emotional support and information to help you prepare for being a witness.

See the Myths About Reporting section for other help available for victims and witnesses giving evidence at court.