Citizens Advice Liverpool share information on what to do if you are a witness to a hate crime.
Before LGBTQ+ History Month is out, Citizens Advice Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ Hate Crime Victim Support service, in partnership with CitySafe, is sharing a series of informational videos about hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community - the first can be found here.
The second, launching today, focuses on what to do if you are a witness to a hate crime and how you can intervene safely as a bystander.
If someone is being attacked because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, it is a hate crime.
If you witness a hate crime, whether you know the victim or not, you do have the power to help.
Firstly, if a hate incident is in progress, you are in immediate danger or you fear for the safety of others, always call 999.
You can be the difference – call it out!
You can intervene safely by remembering the 4 D’s:
Direct action – call out negative behaviour, tell the person to stop or ask the victim if they are okay – do this as part of a group if you can.
Distract – approach the victim with a reason to leave the situation. You could tell them they need to take a call or that you need to speak to them - any excuse to get both of you to safety.
Delegate – tell someone with the authority to deal with the situation or call for help.
Delay – wait for the situation to pass, then ask the victim if they are okay, or report it later when it’s safe to do so – it's never too late to act.
Remember, never put yourself in danger and only intervene if it’s safe to do so.
Anyone can report a hate crime and it can be done anonymously.
Your report could be the evidence needed to pursue a case.
To report a hate crime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, contact Stop Hate UK at stophateuk.org/talk or call 0800 138 1625.
Citizens Advice Liverpool has a dedicated victim support service for those affected by LGBTQ+ hate crime. Our support worker can help you through what can be a very chaotic time, offering holistic support, like:
Support through reporting the incident
Liaising with organisations on your behalf
Accessing specialist services like counselling
Practical Citizens Advice support in areas like debt, employment, benefits and housing
Social support such as activities and groups in your area
We stand with our partners City Safe in saying that there is #NoPlaceForHate in Merseyside.
Video credits:
Design by Leo Welton / iamhuman-design.co.uk
Animated by Martin Shannon-Smith
Music & Sound by Max Weatherstone
Voice over by Benjamina Albanese