Reporting a hate crime is difficult for anyone, but for a woman in her late 50s with a Learning Disability it is particularly daunting. An Advocate can make a real difference.
Ameera was distressed. She had been called a ‘Paki’ and told to go back to Delhi by a street trader. She wanted to report the incident directly to a PCSO, but this wasn’t possible, so our advocate supported her to report it via the 101 service, as well as offering empathy and advice.
Despite our advocate pursuing the police to ensure the incident was investigated, they decided there was not enough evidence to prosecute. Ameera was unhappy with this outcome and felt that she had not been listened to or believed, because the interview and feedback had both taken place over the phone.
We supported her to fill out a complaints form and six weeks later the police called us and agreed to a face to face meeting. Two officers came to explain what they had done to investigate. They said that they couldn’t prosecute because there was not enough evidence, not because they didn’t believe her.
Ameera felt reassured by this and understood what she needed to do in future. “Now I feel like I have been listened to‘ she said, ‘ I am glad I came to see CASBA, as I know what to do if I have problems like this again.’
To help prevent further problems like this from occurring, we explained to the police that telephone interviews act as a barrier to people with Learning Disabilities. We also referred Ameera to PIP’s ‘Stay Safe Join In’ course with her consent.
The incident shows how a Safer Lives, Safer Futures Advocate was able to make a real difference. Ameera’s mental health and wellbeing are much better for being listened to by the police and getting closure, plus she feels more confident from attending the course.
The names have been changed to protect people's identities.
Ameera was distressed. She had been called a ‘Paki’ and told to go back to Delhi by a street trader. She wanted to report the incident directly to a PCSO, but this wasn’t possible, so our advocate supported her to report it via the 101 service, as well as offering empathy and advice.
Despite our advocate pursuing the police to ensure the incident was investigated, they decided there was not enough evidence to prosecute. Ameera was unhappy with this outcome and felt that she had not been listened to or believed, because the interview and feedback had both taken place over the phone.
We supported her to fill out a complaints form and six weeks later the police called us and agreed to a face to face meeting. Two officers came to explain what they had done to investigate. They said that they couldn’t prosecute because there was not enough evidence, not because they didn’t believe her.
Ameera felt reassured by this and understood what she needed to do in future. “Now I feel like I have been listened to‘ she said, ‘ I am glad I came to see CASBA, as I know what to do if I have problems like this again.’
To help prevent further problems like this from occurring, we explained to the police that telephone interviews act as a barrier to people with Learning Disabilities. We also referred Ameera to PIP’s ‘Stay Safe Join In’ course with her consent.
The incident shows how a Safer Lives, Safer Futures Advocate was able to make a real difference. Ameera’s mental health and wellbeing are much better for being listened to by the police and getting closure, plus she feels more confident from attending the course.
The names have been changed to protect people's identities.
