New hotline for hate crime victims (From News Shopper)

New hotline for hate crime victims

9:33am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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POLICE have launched a new hotline for people suffering from homophobic abuse.

Members of the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender community in Dartford and Gravesham are being urged to report any hate crime through a new 24-hour hotline.

Kent Police launched the line as part of the run-up to International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) which took place on May 17.

The Kent Homophobic and Transphobic Reporting Line offers round-the-clock advice to homosexual or transsexual people who have experienced hate crime.

Call handlers have been specifically trained to deal with these sensitive incidents and can transfer crime reports to the police.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Ainsworth of Kent Police said: "Hate crime is unacceptable and we are working to ensure the community understands this behaviour is not tolerated and will be investigated thoroughly.

"It's so important that anyone who has experienced hate crime has immediate access to advice and support."

The hotline number is 0800 328 9162.

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