Dwayne Hards: Why you should always report illegal forms of school bullying to the police

We all remember that day in Primary/Secondary when some bullies approach you and make comments like "haha your gay!!!", however you probably just shrugged these off and said whatever or just ignored them altogether, but did you know that these comments are actually illegal and are classed as a Hate Crime.

You are within your legal rights to call the #Police on 101 or make a police report on police.uk and the police will have to investigate and take action, the police must also give you the choice 'Would you like to Press Charges?' if there is enough evidence to charge.

If the #Police do not investigate your report you may seek legal advice, make a complaint to the IOPC/police force.

Hate Crime may include

• Criminal Damage

• Assault(s) based on Religion, Race Ethnicity, Sexuality, Gender, Hatred Assault, disability

• Hate

• Bullying people because of a protected characteristic

• Harassment

• Discrimination

• Racism

• Transphobia

• Homophobia

• Biphobia

• Hatred Bullying/comments

Hate Crime is a prosecutable offense.

Even if you do call the police to report only bullying the police may discover other offenses like Gang Involvement, Assault, Cautions, Drugs, Illegal Activity, we all like some good karma for the wannabe gangster school bully, including getting them nicked.

#lcnreport

#lcnreport

LCN