If you have a learning disability, or any kind of disability, you could be a victim of hate crime.

A disability hate crime is any crime that you or someone else thinks has happened to you because you have a disability.

The person who does it could be someone you know or a stranger.

Someone calling you bad names face to face, on the internet or by text message.

Someone stealing your money or other things.

Someone hitting you or saying they are going to hit you.

Someone coming to your house and not leaving when you ask them to.

Not every crime against a person with learning disability is a hate crime.

But if you are a victim of crime and you think the person who did the crime did it because you have a disability, it is a disability hate crime.

This guide tells you what to do if you are a victim of hate crime.

You do not have to put up with it.

If you tell someone they can help.

A third party reporting centre is a place you can go to tell someone about a crime, that is not a police station.

Different areas have different third party reporting centres.

The ones in your area could be your day centre or gateway club.

Your local citizens advice bureau.

Your council or the adult social care learning disability team.

If you live in Devon you could also tell Devon Link up on 07808 053992.

If you live in Cornwall you could also tell Cornwall People First on 01736 334857.

If you live in Dorset you could tell Dorset People First on 01305 257 600.

If you have been a victim of crime but you do not feel like you can speak to a stranger about it, you can tell a friend or family member.

They can support you to go to the police or phone a helpline.

Or if you do not want to report the crime, they can help you deal with what has happened and help you to stay safe in the future.

For information on how to contact the contact please select this Contact the police link.