How To Report Homophobic Abuse
How you report a hate crime is up to you. There are a number of options available, so whether you are comfortable with reporting the incident or not, there'll be a way that's easiest for you.
As the victim, you can get someone else to report the incident for you, whether it be OUTeverywhere, a friend, family member or teacher.
Please be aware that it if you are reporting a criminal offence, it may take a while to get any sort of conclusion: gathering information and evidence, processing the paperwork and catching the perpetrators can be a very slow process, depending on the case. Don't be disheartened if it seems to be taking a long time.
Tell The Police about Homophobic Incidents
In an emergency, always call 999. Most forces now have specialist LGBT Officers or Community Relations Officers who have been trained to deal with LGBT issues. You can contact your local force and ask to report a hate crime. Some forces even have homophobia hotlines. Alternatively, you can call into your local police station.
The UK police service now has a national online reporting facility for hate crime/incidents, set up by the Police Information Technology Office (PITO) in association with True Vision. You can use this easy service to report a homophobic hate crime or homophobic incident committed in the UK. Incidents and crimes reported through the site will be electronically forwarded to the appropriate force, depending on where the incident or crime occurred.
Tell Us At OUTeverywhere
If you don't want to go directly to the police, but would like to report a hate crime confidentially, you can do it through OUTeverywhere. We created the Silence Is Not Golden project and will not pass on any details to anyone other than the police, and if you wish to remain anonymous you can do so.
You can contact us at or call +44 (0)1904 727800 during normal office hours.
Self-Reporting
True Vision packs, which can be found in a variety of pubs, clubs, libraries and health groups, contain forms which you can fill in anonymously and send to your local force. You can also ask OUTeverywhere to send you one of these forms by calling +44 (0)1904 727805 or email .
The Self Reporting Form (SRF) allows you to report an incident without attending the police station. Just fill in the reporting form with as many details of the incident and offender as you can and post it in the envelope provided—no stamp required. You do not have to provide your personal details if you do not want to.
Internet Reporting of Homophobic Crime
- Via True Vision, a nationwide police funded website with local police force information sheets and online reporting.
- Via some police force websites.
- Via support organisations:
- Galop—London's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community safety charity.
- Safe In South Yorkshire—a partnership of a number of different agencies committed to working together to tackle hate crime against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community of South Yorkshire.
- Camden LGBT Forum—a charity aiming to improve Camden for LGBT people by challenging homophobia and transphobia and tackling the inequalities and barriers faced by LGBT communities.
Incident Reporting Centres
Many local agencies have trained members who will help you complete a self-reporting form. They can also report the incident on your behalf and provide you with advice and support.
Can I Remain Anonymous?
You can give as much personal information as you want. Without your personal details, the police can build a picture of what is happening, but with your details, they can fully investigate the incident and you can get the service and support you need.
What Do I Need To Report?
- Any incident where you or someone else has been targeted because of their sexuality.
- Incidents motivated by homophobia e.g. graffiti, harassment by neighbours, bullying in schools, verbal comments, burglary or damage to property etc.
- Domestic abuse involving anyone you have a close relationship with: partner, family relatives, carer or friend.
- As many details as possible regarding the what, when, where, who, how and why of the incident, and as many details as possible about the offender.
Reporting A Police Officer Or Police Staff
Has a police officer or member of police staff dealt with you in an inappropriate manner? Report it to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. Further information...