Hate Crime -Nip It In The Bud

Voice for Disability has advice for you on how to deal with Hate Crime

By Kevin Webb

The message from Voice for Disability’s Hate Crime Event was – don’t stand for it, and report it as soon as you see it. 

Many people do not know that you do not have to be the victim to report a Hate Crime.  If you think that a disabled person near you is being targeted, then report it. 

There have been too many cases in the media where a disabled person’s life has been made a misery by thugs and bullies, male or female.  The quickest way to stop the cycle of abuse is to report it. 

Do not assume that someone else will do it.  The victim may be too frightened or not know how they should report the crime.  It also helps the Police if they have independent witnesses to the crime as often the victim is alone and they do not know how to prove they are suffering.

This is how you report a hate incident.

Firstly know what a hate crime is. If you – or someone you know – experiences discrimination or harassment which you believe is based on race, nationality, faith, sexuality, disability or gender identity, then this is a hate incident. You can report it.  To stop it, it needs to be reported - wherever and whenever it is happening in West Sussex.

Voice for Disability knows that when Victim Support, Housing and the Police work together they are more effective than working alone.   It is also difficult for some people to talk to the Police so Victim Support provides a friendly and easily used reporting service.

Hate hurts. Don't support it - Report it!

Reporting hate incidents is very important. It shows where the problem areas are and helps to improve services to deal with hate incidents. Please report all hate incidents, even those that may not seem serious. Hate incidents include:

·         name calling

·         threats of violence

·         graffiti

·         damage to property

·         offensive literature

·         assault

How can I report an incident?

Contact Victim Support on the Hate Incident Reporting Line on 0845 0751 021 (calls charged at local rate); or

·         E-mail:   sussexhateincidentreport@victimsupport.org.uk

If an incident is particularly serious and there is a risk to anybody involved you should report the incident to the police by dialling 999.

You can report an incident whether you are a victim, witness, or third party who has seen an incident. There are no restrictions on age. You do not have to identify yourself, but if you want to be contacted, it is essential that you leave an address and/or a contact number.

You can report an incident even if you do not have all of the information. Anything that you can provide may be valuable.