Anything i can do?

[scrambledegg]

Not sure if this is correct place to post this or not. A few weeks ago my friend was assaulted in his own home by someone he knew. My friend is in a wheel chair, he was pulled from his chair, kicked around the floor, unable to protect or defend himself. He was taken to hospital and although i dont think anything was broken, his face was in a bit of a mess. I dont know why but he refuses to go to the police. He is now scared to be in his own house on his own and is constantly checking his doors and windows are locked etc. I dont live anywhere near him so can visit or anything. I feel helpless but if he wont go to the police im not sure there is anything i can do. Also is it too late to go to the police now anyway?

[happyone2]

I don't think it's too late to go to the police.

Why not pop to your local police station and ask for their advice. They might say they can't do anything because he doesn't want to press charges but they might be able to visit him to reasure him of what if anything, they can do.

[Rosetta]

I wouln't have thought its toolate but its ashame he didn't report it earlier when there would have been more physical evidence of the assault.

Scum like that shouldn't get away with it.

this website might help
http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Is there a local company that could give him advice about home security
If the assault was reported to the Police they could also put him in contact with support services. I hope he changes his mind

[pamdoll]

Contact his local police force and ask to speak to the community officer for his residential postcode.

The local police can help him to secure his home, they can arrange for a panic alarm to be fitted, he will be given a personal attack alarm and they can help him with window/door locks. I know it sounds futile but it might help him feel more secure.

In relation to the actual crime, there is no point pressuring him to report it to the police if he does not want to, it is a very frightening prospect.

But there is legislation now to protect disabled people. Disability hate crime is categorised similiar to race hate crime or homophobic hate crime and the police have to take the matter very seriously and specialist support is out there.

I would advise you to take a look at the CPS website http://www.cps.gov.uk/publications/docs/disabi lity_hate_crime_policy.pdf and rm yourself if the facts and responsibilities before you speak with your friend again.

Perhaps you will be able to persuade him to discuss the crime itself with the police and make a complaint based on the fact that he can withdraw support later if he truly needs to.

Also,
If you are successful in convincing your friend to act, then try and make sure you get a police officer who knows the score. Trouble is, many local bobbies don't know the first thing about this legislation.

If your friend decides to make a complaint, try and arrange to speak with a manager and explain your friends disabilities and the concerns you both have, or ask for a representative from the Hate Crime Unit (or equivalant) to be present when he gives his statement, that way they can tailor the support for your friend according to his needs.

I cannot tell you how sorry I feel for both yo

[pamdoll]

Hi,

I did some digging at work and found out that there is an organisation where you can report hate crime (crime caused by a persons disability) without giving your name.

They gather the information and report it to the police on your behalf. I appreciate that this will be going behind your friends back but if you feel that this is something you want to do for his protection, then I think you should consider it.

The company is called 'True Vision' and they can be contacted on 0800 138 1625.