If you have experienced a homophobic, biphobic or transphobic hate crime or incident, then reporting it is an important step to take.
Why should you report?
When you report a hate incident, it gives the police a clearer picture of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crime, both in your community and across Scotland. Telling someone about what happened means you’re standing up for your rights, and challenging people who think LGBT people in Scotland should be in the closet or afraid to be themselves.
3 in 4 victims of a hate crime or incident did not report it to the police
Our research, Homophobic Hate Crime: the Gay British Crime Survey 2013, found that three in four victims of a hate crime or incident did not report it to the police, and that even fewer report crimes to a third party reporting service. There have been significant improvements in the way Police Scotland now responds to hate crime, including homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crime, and we are working closely with them to improve LGBT people's experience of policing across Scotland.
How to report
Stonewall Scotland has produced a hate crime reporting guide, covering all forms of hate crime. It tells people how they're protected, where to go for help, and why it is important to report hate crime.
If you are a victim of homophobic, biphobic or transphobic hate crime such as hate mail, verbal abuse, domestic abuse, harassment or any other form of abuse please contact Police Scotland. You can report a hate crime in the following ways:
- By telephone 999 (emergency) 101 (non-emergency)
- In person at any police office
- Visit a Third Party reporting centre
- Online using the Hate Crime Reporting Form
If you choose go to a police office, you can bring someone with you for support and you can ask for a break at any time if you find the experience upsetting.
For copies of Stonewall Scotland's hate crime resources and guides please contact us on 0131 474 8019 or firstname.lastname@example.org.