vsa-logo

FAQs

  • How can VSA help me? +

    VSA can help you by providing you a range of support services. The support services offered are free of charge and specifically tailored to each and every individual.

    These include:
    • Acting as the focal point between the Police Force and the Agency
    • Emotional Support
    • Legal Guidance
    • Information & Notification to Service users
  • What is a hate crime? +

    Hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race, colour, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, national or ethnic origin, citizenship or political belief or any other opinion.

    Hate crime is made up of a combination of the following acts:

    • Verbal Insults
    • Violence and aggression
    • Inciting
    • Targeting
  • Who is a victim of crime? +

    The victim of a crime is anyone who is affected by the same crime, not only those who experience it directly, but also their friends, family and any other people involved. It doesn’t matter when the crime took place.

  • How to report a case of hate crime/speech or any crime? +
    When you encounter a case of hate crime/speech or any crime, you can report it to the police or the Victim Support Agency. When you report such a case with the Victim Support Agency, you need to provide the following
    • A full screenshot of the post and comment. The screenshot should not be altered in any way
    • The URL link to the alleged offender’s Facebook profile & a screenshot of said profile.
    • The URL link & screenshot of where the post/comment were originally published.
    Following the analysis following by the lawyer, an official complaint (kwarela) will be issued, should the report be found to be hate speech or hate crime the official complaint will be handled to the Police, and they will investigate from their end. Should the investigations result that a criminal act is committed the alleged offender will be arraigned to court and the persons reporting or victims will be called to act as witnesses. If a person is convicted of hate crime the perpetrator will be imprisoned between six and eighteen months and a fine could be issued.
  • When do I seek help? +
    If you experience a direct or indirect criminal offense, you should seek help by calling 25689700 or contact us via messenger. In case of emergency contact 112.
  • What are the psychological symptoms of hate crime/speech? +
    The following are some of the psychological symptoms that the victims of hate crime and/or speech may experience
    • Fear and Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Guilt and shame
    • Vulnerability
    • Anger and irritability
    • Hopelessness
Accessibility by WAH