FEARLESS
What is Fearless
Fearless enables young people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously
Anonymous means that your identity is completely unknown.
We know that it can be difficult to come forward with information. You might have seen or heard something about a crime, but don't know what to do, or you may be scared to give information.
We offer you a safe way to pass on any information you may have about a crime.
We are completely independent from the police.
We guarantee to young people, indeed everyone, that:
- You can give us information about crime without giving your name or any personal details.
- We will not ask for your gender or your age.
- We will not record any personal details you may mention.
- We cannot physically trace your phone number, email or IP address as our system is designed to protect your identity.
Anonymity Promise
Anonymous means that your identity is completely unknown.
We know that it can be difficult to come forward with information. You might have seen or heard something about a crime, but don't know what to do, or you may be scared to give information.
Offering a safe way to pass on any information you may have about a crime.
Completely independent from the police.
Guarantee to young people, indeed everyone, that:
- You can give us information about crime without giving your name or any personal details.
- We will not ask for your gender or your age.
- We will not record any personal details you may mention.
- We cannot physically trace your phone number, email or IP address as our system is designed to protect your identity.
Crime Types Explained
Visit the Fearless site for more information on different types of crime, Cyber, County Lines, Knife Crime, Hate Crime, Child Sexual Exploitation, Child Financial Exploitation
Snitching Vs Reporting
Breaking down the barriers to reporting crime
Less than one fifth of children and young people who experience violent crime actually go on to report this to the police (ONS, 2014).
There are a number of reasons why young people may decide not to report a crime
The fear of being labelled a ‘snitch’ is one of the main reasons young people say they would not report a crime, often stating ‘snitches get stitches’
Why Do Young People Carry Knives
The reasons why young people carry knives and the motivations for doing so vary from young person to young person.
Evidence from Brennan, 2017 shows there are three main reasons why young people carry knives:
- Self-protection and fear (defensive weapon carrying) A young person might choose to carry a weapon as a means to protect themselves, especially if they have previously been a victim of crime or are fearful they may be victimised.
- Self-presentation A young person may want others to see them in a certain way; to conjure notions of respect and status or simply to fit in with others in their group.
- Utility (offensive weapon carrying) A young person might carry a weapon to facilitate other crimes such as theft, robbery and injury.
Brennan (2018) also found that low trust in the police may lead someone to use a weapon to seek revenge instead of relying on police procedures.
Creating an Upstanding Community
Active Bystanding
Being an active bystander
We can all be bystanders. Every day, events happen around us. At some point, we will notice someone at risk, either because of the behaviour of others (such as sexual harassment or bullying) or through their own behaviour (such as carrying a knife). When this happens, we will decide to do or say something, or to simply let it go.
The Bystander Approach encourages us to take action and to prevent harm.
When we intervene, we show to others that the behaviour is unacceptable and that we want to see a change. If such messages are constantly reinforced within our community, we can shift the boundaries of what is considered acceptable and we can work together to reduce crime and to make our community safer. When we do something to prevent harm it sends a signal to others about our beliefs, our values and about who we are.
Becoming an active bystander is not easy. Young people might feel embarrassed to say something in public, they might fear repercussions or simply think that someone else will step in, and these feelings are common. In fact, if more people are around, it is less likely that someone will intervene.
It is important to think about the reasons that explain why young people might not want to become involved.
However, it is also important that young people feel empowered and prepared, so that if they do see a crime occurring, they know that they can do something safely, to make a positive difference.