'There is no statutory definition of mate crime in UK law. The term is generally understood to refer to the befriending of people, who are perceived by perpetrators to be vulnerable, for the purposes of taking advantage of, exploiting and/ or abusing them. This can strongly but not exclusively associated, with people with a learning disability, learning difficulties or mental health conditions.'
USEFUL LINKS & CONTACTS
REPORTING AND SUPPORT
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE: Call 999 in an emergency. For all other matters please visit WMPolice Online
https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/
EMERGENCY SMS SERVICE FOR DEAF, HARD OF HEARING AND SPEECH IMPAIRED PEOPLE
In an emergency you can use your phone to contact the emergency services by texting 999.
You MUST register your mobile phone number before using this service. Just send the word ‘Register’ in a text message to the number 999 and follow the simple instructions you receive back.
DUDLEY SAFEGUARDING
Safeguarding is about protecting children, young people and adults at risk from abuse or neglect. If you are worried or scared about the way you or someone you know is being treated don't bottle it up, tell someone you trust. Visit http://safeguarding.dudley.gov.uk
DUDLEY SAFE PLACES SCHEME
Safe places are where you can go and get help if you are upset, scared or angry about something that has happened while you are out, if you are a victim of hate crime or if you see a hate crime
For more information please see the Easy Read leaflet
DUDLEY VOICES FOR CHOICE
Dudley Voices for choice are the self advocacy group for people with learning disabilities and / or autism who live in the dudley borough.
For more information please see the Easy Read leaflet
USEFUL WEBSITES
For more information about Mate Crime and other ways to report it please visit the below websites:
AMBITIOUS ABOUT AUTISM
AUTISM TOGETHER
https://www.autismtogether.co.uk/mate-crime/
MENCAP
https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/bullying-and-discrimination/mate-and-hate-crime
SAFETY NET
https://arcuk.org.uk/safetynet/
THIRTYONE: EIGHT
https://thirtyoneeight.org/get-help/resources/practice-guides-text/mate-crime/
DOCUMENTS & RESOURCES
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
For educational resources and session plans please visit:
MATE CRIME POSTER
FRIEND OR FAKE BOOKLET