The law protects everyone against prejudice or hostility that is directed towards them based on their disability, gender identity, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Hate incidents happen when someone is targeted simply for being who they are, or who someone perceives them to be. Sometimes what starts as name calling can escalate into something worse such as threats, harassment or even physical violence.
So it’s important that if you have seen or been the victim of hate or abuse – no matter how small you might think it is – that it is reported so that something can be done about it.
Hate crime of any kind has absolutely no place in our society. Tackling hate crime forms a key part of the Police and Crime Plan for Warwickshire to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, people have the confidence to come forward to report incidents and that the right levels of support and advice are available for victims.
Hate crime can have a devastating impact on victims and can come in many forms but it is always unacceptable and should never be tolerated. As a community we must do all we can to change attitudes, support victims and ensure offenders are brought to justice and that is a key part my Police and Crime Plan for Warwickshire. It’s great to see the range of activities being carried out around the county to raise awareness and I hope it will encourage more victims to come forward.
– Warwickshire PCC Philip Seccombe
Warwickshire Hate Crime Partnership
The Warwickshire Hate Crime Partnership is made up of local organisations that have a responsibility for community safety. The Partnership includes representatives from a number of statutory, voluntary and community organisations including Warwickshire Police. Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Equality & Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP), Victim Support, Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Warwick District Council, Stratford District Council and Rugby Borough Council.
We have recognised that hate crime is under-reported in Warwickshire and that improvements are needed to increase confidence in the reporting process and broaden the support on offer to victims.
Report Hate Now
A new partnership website has been created which provides information and advice on Hate Crime and also a portal which enables the reporting of incidents in Warwickshire.
The site has been developed in conjunction with Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police, Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe and EquIP. It is hoped that by having a dedicated resource that provides an alternative method of reporting incidents, that the reporting of hate related incidents and crimes can be increased.
The site also provides customised support for victims and witnesses which can help ensure that they get the help they need more effectively.
