Being Lesbian, gay or bisexual is not a crime, but hate crime is. No one should have to put up with being harassed, bullied, victimised, or verbally or physically abused because of their sexuality.

Many people do not report homophobic crimes to the police. This may be because they feel uncomfortable admitting their sexuality or reporting the nature of the crime or because they fear a negative or unsympathetic reaction from the police.

However, the British Police forces have come along way over the last ten years in improving their knowledge of homophobic crimes and showing their commitment to treating victims, witnesses and reporters of crimes against homosexual community members, with respect sensitivity and in confidence.

Hate Crime hurts, it can be confusing and frightening. By reporting it, you many be able to prevent these crimes from happening to someone else.

Many of our local police forces have special campaigns in place. Wiltshire Police have got together with Wiltshire & Swindon Men's Sexual Health to form The Wiltshire and Swindon Lesbian and Gay Policing Initiative. Avon & Somerset Police also have specially trained officers to deal with the reporting and handling of hate crime incidents.

There are a number of different options available to report hate crime to make it as easy as it possibly can. In an emergency always be sure to dial 999. All of our local police forces have LGBT Officer who have been specially trained, and you can find their contact details here.

There is also a national online reporting website Click here to report on-line.

Some support groups and agencies also offer to deal with your report on your behalf :

Wiltshire & Swindon Men's Sexual Health

Silence Is Not Golden Campaign

EACH, The Educational Action Challenging Homophobia group is a charity based in Bristol which offers a casework service and a confidential telephone actionline, available for any anyone who lives works or travels throughout the West of England that has been a target of homophobia, this actionline is open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm call on freephone 0808 1000 143. Reporting can also be made online at www.eachaction.org.uk

Victim Support is the national charity which helps people affected by crime. They provide free and confidential support to help you deal with your experience, whether or not you report the crime. They operate a national victim supportline on 0845 30 30 900, they have local offices for Wiltshire at 31a The Brittox, Devizes.(01380 729476), Somerset at 9a Butts, Illminster (01460 55535) and the former Avon areas such as Bristol & Bath at 36 Dean Lane, Bedminster, Bristol (0117 963 1114)

Contact your local trained police officer below, they will be able to provide you with advice, discuss what has happened to you or put you in touch with support groups and agencies.