easyreadguidancevulnerablevictims.pdf

Supporting Victims is part of the  Books Beyond Words series and has been written in partnership by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, St George's, University of London and VOICE UK. With the kind support of the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales. This book can be used by people with learning disabilities and their supporters to understand what will happen when they go to court. It tells the story of Polly who is the victim of an assault. The man she accused is arrested and she is asked to be a witness at his trial.

Supporting Victims show how the police help Polly to choose the special measures she needs to give her best evidence in court. There is text at the back of the book which includes a suggested storyline, descriptions of the Crown Court officials, an explanation of the terms used and information about organisations who can help.

The book is £10.00 and available from VOICE UK.

Unlocking The Evidence

An article published in Counsel Magazine by Kathryn Stone OBE and Professor Karen Bryan offering advice on identifying and communication with witnesses with learning disabilities.

Published October 2010 

BULLY FOR YOU DVD
2.5 HOURS) INCLUDING THE DVD 'BULLY FOR YOU'
If you would like to order a pack, please email voice@voiceuk.org.uk or call Rebecca on 01332 291042

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

The aim of the DVD -- entitled Bully for You - is to raise awareness of disability hate crime. The main storyline centres on Ben, a young man with Down's syndrome, played by Sam Barnard, an actor with learning disabilities. His story, although fictional, is based on real events. Ben has been the target of verbal and physical abuse all his life. He and his mum struggle to cope. Their home is terrorised. And things go from bad to worse as the film reaches its tragic climax.

Ben thinks it's just bullying. The authorities think it's just anti-social behaviour. But, as the film shows, it is much deeper than that: it is disability hate crime.

Interspersed with the main story are the real-life tragedies, presented by disabled volunteers from Derbyshire. As well as raising awareness, it's hoped the film will encourage more disabled people to come forward to police if they believe they are victims of disability hate crime -- perhaps the least recognised and reported of all forms of hate crime.

Voice UK Chief Executive, Kathryn Stone OBE said: "We're all extremely pleased with the DVD, and hope that it will encourage people to do more and to raise awareness of disability hate crime. We also hope this will help more people recognise if they are the victim of a disability hate crime and allow them the confidence to report it."