🎯 1. Purpose

This resource is designed to help:

Staff
Parents and carers
Support workers
Friends and peers

👉 Support people who may:

Not understand what hate crime is
Struggle to explain what happened
Feel scared to report it
Need help to stay safe

🚨 2. What Is Hate Crime? (Simple Understanding)

Hate crime is when:

Someone hurts, threatens, or targets a person because of who they are.

This could be because of:

Disability
Race or background
Religion or beliefs
Sexuality

👉 It can include:

Name-calling
Physical harm
Damage to property
Threats or harassment
Online abuse

⚠️ 3. Why Some People Need Extra Support

Some people may not report hate crime because:

They do not realise it is a crime
They think it is their fault
They are scared of getting in trouble
They find communication difficult
They have not been listened to before

👉 This means others must notice and step in early.

👀 4. Signs Someone May Be Experiencing Hate Crime

Look for:

Fear of certain people or places
Sudden changes in behaviour
Anxiety or distress
Avoiding going out
Injuries or damaged belongings
Receiving upsetting messages

👉 Many people will not say anything directly.

💬 5. How to Help Someone Talk About It

✔ Use simple, calm questions:

“Did something happen?”
“Is someone being unkind to you?”
“Do you feel safe?”

✔ Give different ways to communicate:

Talking
Writing
Drawing
Using symbols or apps

👉 Some people find it easier to show rather than tell.

🛠️ 6. Practical Ways to Help Someone Report

📝 Write it down together

Help record:

What happened
Where and when
Who was involved

👉 Keeping notes is important evidence

📱 Keep evidence

Save messages
Keep emails or letters
Take screenshots

🤝 Use trusted support

Help them speak to:

Police
Support worker
Family member
Advocate

👉 An advocate is someone who helps a person have their voice heard

🚔 7. What To Do If Hate Crime Happens

✔ Stay safe first

Move away if possible
Avoid confrontation

✔ Tell someone

Do not keep it secret
Get help quickly

✔ Report it

Contact police
Use support organisations
Ask someone to help report

👉 Hate crime is against the law and should be taken seriously

🧠 8. Emotional Support Is Essential

People may feel:

Scared
Confused
Angry
Upset

Support them by:

Listening without judgement
Reassuring them it is not their fault
Staying calm and supportive

🛡️ 9. Helping People Stay Safe

Support people to:

Avoid unsafe situations (short-term)
Stay with trusted people
Know who to contact for help
Have a safety plan

🧑‍🏫 10. What Supporters Must Do

✔ Notice

Be aware of changes in behaviour

✔ Ask

Start gentle conversations

✔ Listen

Take everything seriously

✔ Record

Keep clear notes

✔ Act

Report and follow safeguarding procedures

✔ Follow up

Check the person is safe over time

🧩 11. Simple Support Model: “CARE”

C – Check in
Ask if they are okay

A – Acknowledge
Believe and validate feelings

R – Record
Write down what happened

E – Escalate
Report and protect

📘 EASY READ VERSION

Hate Crime – Helping Someone

💡 What is hate crime?