Court Support for Victims of Anti-Muslim Hate

Going to court can be daunting. For a victim of anti-Muslim hate, it may feel especially intimidating. You may have to return to a frightening or humiliating incident, enter an unfamiliar building and possibly be near the person accused of targeting you. You may worry about giving evidence, seeing supporters of the defendant or not knowing what will happen next. We also know from the over 15 years of work we have done with over 65,000 British Muslims, that in some cases, alleged members of far right groups who are accused of offences have had groups of men stand outside court in an intimidating manner to victims of anti-Muslim hate.

You do not have to manage this experience alone. Tell MAMA provides confidential, victim-centred court support for people affected by anti-Muslim hate. Our support can include emotional reassurance, practical help with paperwork and, where arranged and permitted, the physical presence of a member of our team at court.

Support before, during and after court

Tell MAMA has supported over 65,000 victims of anti-Muslim hate since 2011. We understand that a hate crime can undermine confidence, identity, trust and a sense of belonging. Court proceedings may bring some of those feelings back and can feel retraumatising. Our role is to reduce emotional, physical and psychological distress to victims of anti-Muslim hate so that the court process can seem as smooth as possible for victims. We owe this to the public we serve.

Having assisted more than 65,000 British Muslims, we know that every person’s circumstances are different. Support is therefore shaped around the individual, rather than applying a single response to every victim.

Our approach is person-centred and trauma-informed. We listen to what you need, explain information clearly and work at a manageable pace. We do not judge your response to an incident or pressure you to discuss more than is necessary. Our role is to help you feel informed and less alone. It is also about standing with you at your potential hour of need.

Before the hearing or trial, a caseworker can discuss your worries and help you prepare for the practical demands of the day, including travel, arrival times, accessibility and documents. Where appropriate, we can help you communicate with the police, Witness Care Unit, court staff, legal representatives or the Witness Service.

Practical help with forms and information

Court processes involve unfamiliar language, letters, forms and deadlines. When someone is already distressed, even straightforward administration can feel overwhelming.

Tell MAMA can provide practical support with relevant paperwork. We may help you understand a form, identify sections to complete, organise information, record important dates and gather documents. We can also help you prepare questions and signpost you to reliable legal information or a qualified solicitor.

This assistance is not legal advice or representation. Tell MAMA cannot tell you what evidence to give, coach your testimony or promise an outcome. We will encourage you to obtain legal advice when a decision could affect your rights or case.

A supportive presence at court

The thought of entering court alone can intensify fear. Subject to advance arrangement, staff availability and court rules, Tell MAMA may be able to provide a physical support presence.

This can mean meeting you at court, finding the correct entrance or waiting area, staying with you while you wait and offering reassurance during delays. Where permitted, a support person may accompany you into a hearing. We can also help you find the person able to answer a procedural question.

Our presence will never influence what you say. It provides a familiar point of contact in an unfamiliar environment. Afterwards, we can give you space to talk, review practical next steps and connect you with further support.

If you are frightened or fear intimidation

Tell your caseworker as early as possible if you fear seeing the defendant or their supporters, or if anyone has tried to intimidate you. We can help you raise those concerns.

In criminal courts in England and Wales, arrangements may include a different entrance or separate waiting area. Eligible vulnerable or intimidated witnesses may be considered for special measures, such as screens or giving evidence by live video link. The court and relevant agencies decide these arrangements; Tell MAMA cannot authorise or guarantee them. We can, however, help you communicate your concerns.

Culturally sensitive and inclusive support

Anti-Muslim hate can attack a person’s faith, appearance, ethnicity and belonging at once. It can also be gendered. Muslim women wearing visible Islamic clothing may experience anti-Muslim prejudice combined with racism and misogyny. Muslim men may be targeted through stereotypes portraying them as threatening.

We understand that these experiences shape how safe a victim feels at court. We take account of your identity, cultural or faith needs, disability, communication requirements and family circumstances. Our confidential service is based on dignity, consent and choice. If your mental health has been affected, we can discuss Tell MAMA’s free, trauma-informed counselling.

Working with court and witness-support services

Tell MAMA complements established court services. The Witness Service offers free, confidential and trauma-informed support to witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales, including pre-trial visits. Support Through Court helps people facing civil or family courts without a lawyer, including with many court forms.

Court systems and terminology differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Wherever possible, we will help you identify and contact the appropriate service for the court you are attending.

Ask Tell MAMA for court support

If an anti-Muslim hate incident has led to a court case, contact us early. This gives us the best opportunity to understand your needs, liaise with relevant services and explore court attendance support.

Submit a confidential report online, email info@tellmamauk.org, call 0800 456 1226 or 0115 707 0007, or WhatsApp 07341 846086. Tell us your court date, court location and the help you need. Support depends on individual need, location, staff availability and court rules.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Court Support for Anti-Muslim Hate Victims | Tell MAMA