Statement Regarding Attack in North Belfast

The attack in North Belfast on 8 June was shocking, and our thoughts are with the victim and his family. We are aware that videos and images of the crime are circulating online and we would plead with the public to not share them on social media in order to protect the privacy of the victim and prevent people being traumatised from viewing them.

If you have been impacted by this crime, we would encourage you to reach out to us. Our services are trauma-informed, confidential, safe, and free.

A list of all our services can be found on our website: Victim Support NI | Supporting People Affected By Crime.

You can contact us from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday on the phone number below. Alternatively, you can email either our Belfast or Foyle offices.

Belfast phone number: 02890 243133

Belfast office email: belfast@victimsupportni.org.uk

Foyle office email: foyle@victimsupportni.org.uk

We understand that last night’s attack has triggered fear and anxiety among ethnic minority communities in Northern Ireland. If you are affected by hate crime over the coming days, or at any other time of the year, you can reach out to the Hate Crime Advocacy Service for help. You do not have to have reported the crime to the police to avail of our services.

The Hate Crime Advocacy Service supports victims of hate crime in partnership with our external advocacy partners: Migrant Centre NI; The Rainbow Project NI; Disability Action NI. This scheme aims to improve support to victims of hate crime, encourage reporting and increase confidence in, and improve access to, the criminal justice system.

For more information go to www.hcasni.com