Ben and Paul's Story: Victim Support

Anyone watching EastEnders right now can’t fail to be gripped by the tragic storyline of Ben and Paul – verbally abused and then attacked, with fatal consequences, simply for being who they were: a gay couple.

For some viewers, watching the events unfold will hit even closer to home. If you, or someone you know, has been the target of homophobic hate crime (anything from graffiti, vandalism, name-calling, harassment or online abuse, to assault), Ben and Paul’s story may be especially painful for you to watch. Perhaps you were subjected to another type of hate crime – targeted because of your disability, race, religion or gender identity – or you lost someone you loved to a violent attack.

However you are affected, you don’t need to suffer in silence. As the independent charity for people affected by crime in England and Wales*, Victim Support’s specially trained staff and volunteers provide free, confidential practical help and emotional support, whether or not you choose to report the incident to the police and however long ago it happened.

We know, from supporting many thousands of victims of hate crime every year, the devastating and long-lasting impact these offences can have, especially if someone has suffered repeated attacks or abuse. Hate crime often affects a person’s self-esteem as well as their physical and mental wellbeing, and victims can be unsure or scared about telling anyone, or seeking the support they deserve.

Our support is tailored to your needs. For example, we can help you cope with the emotional effects of the crime, deal with employers, police and housing departments on your behalf, advise on home security and safety, organise practical help if you’ve suffered a break-in (such as repairs to broken locks), keep you informed about police and court procedures, accompany you to the police station and to court. If someone’s life was lost through murder or manslaughter, our Homicide Service provides expert, specialised support to those affected. Whatever the circumstances, we’re here for as long as you need us.

One person who benefitted from our support is Andrew**, whose neighbours would repeatedly shout homophobic abuse at him. After reporting the crime, a camera was installed in his flat by a community protection team. Sadly, this did not deter the hate crime and in another incident red paint was thrown all over his front door.

Victim Support helped Andrew throughout his ordeal, providing alarms for his flat, engaging with the local council and police on his behalf, and supporting his efforts to get a housing move; Andrew has now moved to a new place.

Andrew said: “My Victim Support case worker has helped me cope with what I’ve been going through, when no one else was there to support me. I’ve received a really good service and kept my faith in human nature.”

If you’ve been affected by crime, you can get our help now:

• Call our free Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111 (see service hours)
• Request support online or contact your local Victim Support team
• Find out more about Victim Support’s work at www.victimsupport.org.uk
• Follow us on Facebook or Twitter @VictimSupport

*If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, we can refer you to the appropriate victim support service.

** Name changed to protect identity