Did you know that police work closely with Hate Crime Support Workers to give victims the confidence to report incidents and crimes?
Hate Crime Support Workers are specialists within independent community organisations who can assist victims of racist, LGB&T and disability hate crime to access services, provide support and guidance, and be the voice of the victim. They are a vital part of the work we do to build trust with victims and ensure we have all the evidence and information needed to resolve issues within communities and get justice for victims.
The Hate Crime Support Service is funded by Department of Justice and PSNI and co-ordinated by Victim Support NI.
There are 5 hate crime support workers whose role it is to make contact with victims and signpost them to other services such as legal advice, housing issues, and health and psychological support. They also assist in facilitating contact with investigating officers and supporting victims throughout the investigative process.
The support workers meet with police on a monthly basis to identify and resolve emerging issues and to share best practice.
To contact the Racist Hate Crime Support Worker please visit The Migrant Centre NI by clicking here (http://migrantcentreni.org/
To contact the LGB&T Hate Crime Support Worker please visit The Rainbow Project by clicking here (www.rainbow-project.org/
To contact the Disability Hate Crime Support Worker please contact Leonard Cheshire Disability by clicking here (www.leonardcheshire.org/
You can also access these services through Victim Support NI by clicking here (www.victimsupportni.com/help-