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Keeping safe at Pride
Pride events bring together hundreds, sometimes thousands of like-minded people to
celebrate the simple fact of being who you are. However, over the years there has been
a surprising amount of hate crimes reported in and around pride events. Luckily, today
there are many ways of reporting the crime using something you have with you all the
time, your mobile.
Keeping Safe
Ideally, you will avoid a hate crime altogether and there are a few things you can do to
keep yourself out of harm’s way. Leaving a pride event on your own, at night, covered in
rainbow flags might not always be a good idea. So where possible, leave in a group. If you
have to travel home on your own, then always walk with confidence, take a direct route
and stay in well-lit and where possible, highly populated streets.
If something happens..
A lot of hate crimes start with name-calling and escalate. It’s so tempting to shout a witty
response to somebody calling you a fag, but it is best to avoid doing that. Try to walk on.
But do bear in mind that you are already a victim of a hate crime, so when you are out of
sight, dial 999.
Sadly, there are still violent homophobic and transphobic attacks in this country. If
you are the victim, firstly try to get somewhere safe and call 999. Try not to take off or
wash any clothes as these could be vital evidence. If your keys were stolen, try to get a
locksmith out as soon as possible.
Mobile ways to report
The majority of hate crimes are reported up to a day after the incident. It is, of course,
best to report as soon as possible and now there are a range of ways to do that. True
Vision has launched a great app which works in conjunction with the online reporting
website report-it.org.uk. The app will give you info on what to do and links you directly
to a reporting facility. You can also call your local police station using the 101 number if
the incident has passed or 999 if you are still in danger or hurt.
For more information on hate crime visit
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