How did he report it to the police the first time: 101, email or phone? Did he speak to a general control room or to a specialist hate crime unit?
1st time he went to the station to report. He was told that he would be contacted the next day. A week later no contact was made. He went into the station again and was contacted by a neighborhood officer who said that he would be contacted soon. Another two weeks passed. He telephoned the force contact center. Force contact center assured him he would be contacted. Another two weeks passed, he used the web to email his MP and within minutes of receiving a reply a phone call was received from the schools liason officer!
As I understand it as long as a "Child" (the legal definition of anyone under 18) is judged legally competent, they can attend Court and give evidence.
The following websites will give you a lot of guidance.
Legal Competence
NSPCC fact sheet
Childrens legal centre
Thanks alot: I'm going to print them and give them to my 'friend' who will (I hope) show them to the constable and her sergeant.
I've never heard of parents having to be informed.
I agree, and thanks very much for the links.
I suggest he calls the Citizens Advice Bureau who may be able to offer legal advice on how to deal with the police, perhaps offering representation?
If they want, they could explain that they're no longer a child, the problems associated with telling their parents, and, if they persist in this argument, explain they feel they are being fobbed off.
Cheers, I hope I can get it into their minds that it's not easy to come out!
Perhaps. Although you'd then be in the frankly bizarre position of needing representation to report a crime, rather than being done for it! I just can't fathom how such a situation can arise.
He's obviously been fobbed off. Most forces I believe now have a LGBT Liaison Officer who should be able to deal with this kind of thing and treat it with the necessary seriousness. I don't think he needs to involve his parents at all. It is entirely feasible for, say, underage girls who are being subject to forced marriages to seek police help without involving their parents! I can't quote anything, but I am sure he has the right, as a 16-year-old, to report this and make a statement without involving his parents.
Thanks, I'm going to tell my 'friend' and get him to speak to a LGBT liason. Wish me luck (!)
Everyone has the right to expect protection from persecution of any kind. If the individuals have been suspended from school, then there is clearly third party support against them, but what is your friend hoping to achieve from further pursuit. If the police can't assist without parental consent, then the police can't assist, but if that is the case, try childline or other child support agencies.
Perhaps its time your fearless friend spoke to his parents and stood up for his rights with honesty, dignity and integrity. I can't speak for all parents, but if my son was being victimised and felt they couldn't ask for help I'd be utterly devastated.
Thanks but you must understand that my 'friend' coming out to his parents is such a difficult experience for him and is one that pains him everyday. Fear of rejection and hate is so hard to deal with.
Is this perhaps because the school has been involved? I cannot see why a school liaison officer should be involved (rather than a 'normal' officer without a silly title). After all, not all 16 year olds will still be at school so it does seem wrong. As others have said, it does appear he is being fobbed off.
One thing for your friend to bear in mind though - I think if it did go to coutry and he had to testify or provide evidence, there would be a much higher likelihood of his parents hearing about it, even though because of his age he wouldn't be named in any press reports.
The offence happened on a public bus which originated on school premises. They are trying to a) fob my 'friend' off and b) trying to pass the blame and the power onto the school.
Thank you for all your support and your valuable replies, I will be sure to tell my friend the information you have all given and I will let you know how the meeting goes.