A PIONEERING app for iPhone and Android smartphones is being launched to help victims of hate crime in Dorset.

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 and support.

As hate crime is thought to be widely under-reported, the app allows individuals to report incidents in privacy.

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 easily and quickly.”

The app was produced by C5 Consultancy and is based on its book ‘Helping Victims of Hate Crime’.

Superintendent Mick Rogers, Dorset Police hate crime lead, said: “The priority for us is to ensure that victims of hate incidents and crimes are supported and that appropriate actions are taken and we do this through a partnership approach.”

An event to formally launch the app is taking place today at 10am at the Civic Centre, Poole.

Dorset Police have joined forces with the Borough of Poole and Bourne-mouth Borough Council to launch the app.