Hate crime 'goes unreported'

Victims of hate crime – attacked for their race or sexual orientation – lack faith in the police, and fail to report abuse as a result, Victim Support has warned.

An analysis of interviews with 107 victims, funded by Co-operative Insurance (CIS), finds many scared of revenge attacks and court appearances. Although only one in five felt supported by police, this figure rose when victims were dealt with by specialist officers.

Victim Support's research executive, Peter Dunn, wants funding for better services, and greater compassion from the police and the CPS.

He said: "Hate crime symbolises all the worst aspects of prejudice. Our research shows it has a profoundly damaging effect on victims that is often not fully understood by the criminal justice system."

Peter Fahy, of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), insisted that detection rates and prosecutions had risen, adding: "Hate crime investigations are given high priority and the police service does not apologise for this."