I didn't leave my house for years because my agoraphobia made me petrified to go outside I had to trust my neighbours with my bank card and my PIN... even though I knew they were stealing from me and taking advantage.
A shocking 71 per cent of people with mental health problems experience hate crimes, harassment and abuse in their communities. Most fail to report them and those that do feel failed by the system.
Read the Another assault report
Success for Another assault
In Hackney, East London, a police officer with responsibility for mental health has set up a monthly drop-in surgery at the local branch of Mind, so that people with mental health problems can feel more confident to approach the police about crimes or concerns. He has also provided mental health awareness training to all frontline officers in Hackney.