Bullying includes:

• Being called names
• Being pushed, hassled or threatened
• Being beaten up, spat at or kicked
• Having your things taken or damaged
• Being made fun of
• It also includes name-calling or threats received by text messages, emails or social networking sites.

Harassment

Harassment includes any unwelcome comments (written or spoken) or conduct which violates an individual's dignity and/or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

Harassment can take many forms including violence, threats, abuse and damage to property. It may cause physical injury, mental stress, anxiety or insecurity. It can also occur for a variety of reasons, including race, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

General safety tips

Here are some tips to follow if you are out and about

• Stay alert - awareness is your best defence
• Leave venues with friends wherever possible
• Try to stay in well-lit areas
• Be confident - even if you don't feel it
• Travel as if you know where you are going
• Take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around
• Trust your instincts - if you think something is wrong then act on it
• Have your keys available when you reach your home or car
• Keep money for taxis - the expense is worth it
• Carry a personal alarm and use it when necessary.

If you are a victim:

• Get help immediately
• In an emergency dial 999 or for non-emergencies call 101
• Make as much noise as you can to alert people
• As soon as you can, go somewhere you know is safe
• If you have been attacked, don't shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence
• If you have the confidence, tell the police why you think you were attacked
• If you have had your keys taken, ensure you change the locks
• Don't drink alcohol - you need to give a clear account of what happened
• Use the online reporting facility on this website or a third party reporting centre if you do not have the confidence to tell the police.

If you are a witness:

• Call 999 or 101
• Let the police know what you've seen. Don't assume others will come forward. Many crucial witnesses walk away thinking someone else will report it
• Stay alert and safe
• Don't physically intervene - you could get hurt yourself
• If it is safe to do so, take a photograph or video on your mobile phone Remember, however, that the police are likely to need your phone as evidence
• Record details of times, number plates, descriptions and so on. If you don't have a pen with you, leave a voicemail message on your mobile phone or write a draft text message. As soon as you can find a pen and paper, write down the information in as much detail as possible
• Use the online reporting facility on this website or a third party reporting centre if you do not have the confidence to tell the police.

Internet safety tips:

Here are some useful tips for keeping safe on the Internet:

• The Internet provides endless opportunities to meet people from all over the world. You must however remember to use common sense. It is easy to get swept-up into a fantasy world, but reality requires us to use caution
• Do not give out personal details, photographs, or any other information that could be used to identify you, your family, or where you live
• Do not take other people at face value - they may not be what they seem
• Never arrange to meet someone you've only ever previously met on the Internet, without telling a friend and giving them as much detail as possible about the person that you're meeting and where
• Do not open an attachment or download a file unless you know and trust the person who has sent it
• Never respond directly to anything you find disturbing when using the Internet or email. Log off, and report it.

Prosecuting hate crimes

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is the principal public prosecution service for criminal cases in England and Wales.

In undertaking this role, the CPS:

• Advises the police during the early stages of investigations
• Determines the appropriate charges in all but the most routine cases
• Keeps all cases under continuous review and decides which cases should be prosecuted
• Prepares cases for prosecution in court and prosecutes the cases with in-house advocates, or instructs agents and counsel to present cases
• Provides information and assistance to victims and prosecution witnesses
• Engages with communities to help improve our work
• Addresses offending using out-of-court alternatives or 'disposals' where appropriate.

For more information visit the CPS website at www.cps.gov.uk