More Support For North East Victims Of Hate Crime

19 January 2015, 13:43 | Updated: 19 January 2015, 13:55

Victims of hate crime in County Durham and Darlington are being given more support through a new network being set up in the region.

Under the slogan 'Report It To Sort It', a range of agencies have come together to give victims the channels to report hate crimes and get the support they need.

Schemes such as 'Safe Places', which provides a range of safe havens across the area for hate crime victims to get support; and 'Community Hands', a dedicated volunteer helpline number for potential victims, are just some of the new tactics being used to tackle the issue.

A Darlington woman, who was abused because she's transgender, is urging victims of hate crimes not to suffer in silence.

She's told Heart,
"It makes someone feel like an outsider. It makes someone feel less than human. And it can make someone feel like they don't deserve to live."

Emma Roebook's backing Durham Police's campaign, which is urging people to come forward.

In the past two years there's been a 66% increase in reporting of hate crimes, but it's feared more people aren't speaking out.

The partner agencies involved include; Durham Constabulary, Crown Prosecution Service, Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council and the Polive and Crime Commissioner.