Dorset Police have launched an app for iPhone and Android smart phones to help victims of hate crime.

The app helps the most vulnerable members of society understand how to deal with the traumatic effect of such crimes, why it happens, how to report it and where to seek help.

Adnan Chaudry, chief executive of Dorset Race Equality Council, said: “I am delighted with this great initiative. We know that there is still under-reporting of hate crime in Dorset and this app will make it easier for people to report incidents.”

An event to formally launch the app – in conjunction with Poole and Bournemouth councils – is on April 22.