Harassment and hate crime
Harassment is any behaviour which is unwanted and unwelcome and which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. It can take many forms including violence, threats, abuse and damage to property.
It can involve verbal abuse and name calling, offensive graffiti or posts and can be received via text messages, emails or social networking sites like Facebook.
Harassment can occur for different reasons including race, religious belief, sexuality, gender, disability or age. If you are being targeted because of prejudice or hate due to any of these then it is called hate crime.
If you are being harassed
- Keep a diary of all incidents and write down the date, time, location and any witnesses.
- If you are receiving silent, threatening phone calls try not to react
- Report all malicious calls to the police. They will work with BT to trace who is making the calls
- If you are being stalked try to avoid going out alone and keep to busy public roads
- If you think you are being followed then go to the nearest shop and get help
- If you notice cars following you or outside your house then take the make, model, registration, date etc. and report to the Police
- Don’t allow harassment to make you think there is anything wrong with you
- Try and keep to your regular routines and do the things you enjoy
Who to contact for help
If you believe you are being harassed or have been a victim of hate crime, report it to the police.
Redbridge Council has an anti-social behaviour hotline where you can get a quick response if it's not an emergency. Contact 020 8478 4679.
If you have been a victim of or have witnessed a hate crime or incident, you can report it to Hate Crime Help and Referral Centres in Redbridge.
Visit Redbridge Counicl's website
Redbridge Racial Equalities and Community Councilcan provide advice, support and advocacy for victims of racist harassment and discrimination.
Visit Redbridge Racial Equalities and Community Councilwebsite or contact 020 8551 8178
SupportLine is a confidential helpline offering emotional support to anyone on any issue. Call the helpline number on 01708 765200 or email info@supportline.org.uk.
The National Stalking Helpline helps victims of stalking by providing information and advice. Call the helpline number on 0808 802 0300, Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm (except Wednesday 1.00pm to 4.00pm).
Visit The National Stalking Helpline website
Shelter has a housing advice booklet explaining what you can do if your landlord is harassing you.
Equality & Human Rights Commission provides a helpline to give information and support on discrimination and human rights issues. Call the helpline number on 0808 800 0082, Monday to Friday 9.00am to 8.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm.
Visit Equality & Human Rights Commission website
Useful links
Other MyLife pages:Domestic violence, Personal safety, Protecting at adults of risk and abuse, Help in an emergency, Internet safety
External websites: Redbridge Racial Equalities and Community Council, The National Stalking Helpline, Shelter, Equality & Human Rights Commission