Bullying

Hate Crime

A hate crime is when someone commits a crime against you because of your disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, or any other perceived difference. It is a crime and is against the law.

It doesn’t always include physical violence. Someone using offensive language towards you or harassing you because of who you are, or who they think you are, is also a crime. The same goes for someone posting abusive or offensive messages about you online.

Hate crime can fall into one of three main types:

Physical assault

Physical assault of any kind is an offence. If you’ve been a victim of physical assault you should report it. Depending on the level of the violence used, a perpetrator may be charged with common assault, actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm.

Verbal abuse

Verbal abuse, threats or name-calling can be a common and extremely unpleasant experience for minority groups.

Victims of verbal abuse are often unclear whether an offence has been committed or believe there is little they can do. However, there are laws in place to protect you from verbal abuse.

Incitement to hatred

The offence of incitement to hatred occurs when someone acts in a way that is threatening and intended to stir up hatred. That could be in words, pictures, videos, music, and includes information posted on websites.

Hate content may include:

• messages calling for violence against a specific person or group
• web pages that show pictures, videos or descriptions of violence against anyone due to their perceived differences
• chat forums where people ask other people to commit hate crimes against a specific person or group.

Have you been a victim of Hate Crime? Contact North Yorkshire Police 101 or Supporting Victims on 01609 643100 or make a report  online at https://www.supportingvictims.org/

Mate Crime

Mate crime happens when someone ‘makes friends’ with you and goes on to abuse or exploit that relationship.

People with learning disabilities may be situationally vulnerable to mate crimes. They may be living very isolated lives, but – like everyone – need friends. This need is easily exploited. In addition, many people with learning disabilities haven’t had the usual opportunities to become ‘streetwise’ when growing up. Incidents can therefore be more likely to take place when they are in the community, on public transport or using services without support.

How do you know when a friend is really a friend?

Most friends really are friends… but sometimes people might pretend to be your friend. People who commit Mate Crimes might be nice to your face. These people are often not rude, violent or aggressive, nor do they steal your things. They pretend to be nice to you.

■Mate Crime does not start with bullying but it can become bullying.

■It starts with people saying they are your friend.

■Mate Crimes often happen in private and are not seen by others.

■Mate Crimes are Disability Hate Crimes and should be reported to the Police.

Have you been a victim of Mate Crime? Contact North Yorkshire Police 101 or Supporting Victims on 01609 643100 or make a report  online at https://www.supportingvictims.org/

Online Bullying

When someone bullies you online this is called Cyber bullying, don’t keep it to yourself or try to deal with it alone.

Tell someone you trust as it can help to talk it through with someone, keep a record of the bullying but try not to respond to any messages, commenting or sharing could make the bullying worse.

Inform the Police if there is any serious threats to you.

Cyber bullying is not against the law, but harassment or threatening behaviour is. That means if someone keeps making you feel scared on purpose, what they’re doing could be illegal.

Please see the Online Safety page for lots of other useful advice.

Useful Links

National Bullying Helpline.

Practical help and advice for children and adults dealing with bullying at school or work, with a free confidential helpline and information covering all forms of bullying.

Call 0845 22 55 787, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Anti Bullying Alliance

A coalition of organisations and individuals that are united against bullying, the website has tools and information to help to deal with bullying.

Bullying UK

This website has articles about bullying and other topics relevant to young people, plus an online chat

Call 0808 800 2222

Childline

Has information on all types of bullying and how to deal with it.

Worried about a or friend or do you need some help?

Talk to somebody you trust: If you need help for yourself or are worried about a friend or family member, you should speak to an adult or someone that you feel comfortable with and can trust.

That could be family members, teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers or other adults who work with children. They will listen to what you have to say.

Don't be afraid to talk to these people if you are worried. They are there to help you.

If you are still worried about a friend or you need help, please contact:

York MASH

Phone: 01904 551900

Email: MASH@york.gov.uk

Outside office hours, at weekends and on public holidays contact the emergency duty team telephone: 01609 780780

Police - If there is immediate danger call 999

Childline - Phone: 0800 11 11 A free, private and confidential service where you can be you. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, however you want to get in touch. We're here for you online, on the phone, anytime.