Race and Hate Crime

A hate crime is any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on the victim’s disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender.

Hate crime is different from other forms of crime because it targets someone because of their identity. It is a form of discrimination. Research has shown that hate crimes cause greater psychological harm than similar crimes without a motivation of prejudice. Hate crimes can raise fear in victims and groups and increase tensions in communities. For example did you know 65% of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people experience homophobic bullying at school. In West Sussex, we work in partnership to ensure young people are supported by a network of services, which include Action Against Bullying.

The Action Against Bullying Support Line is now available on: 0845 075 1010

If you – or someone you know – experiences discrimination or harassment which you believe is based on race, nationality, faith, sexuality, disability or gender identity, you can report it. Incidents should be reported to Victim Support Sussex which works in partnership with West Sussex County Council to provide the Hate Incident Support Service. To make a report, you can:

•Use the online reporting form

•Telephone 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.

 

 

Community Tensions

Community cohesion is essential if we all want to live in an area that is peaceful and prosperous.

Community tension can occur when a lack of trust develops between diverse communities or the agencies and organisations they rely on. If left unchecked, it can lead to disorder and instability.

The Safer Arun Partnership is responsible for monitoring community tension. The partner agencies monitor and evaluate potential threats to social instability and, if required, devise and implement solutions where necessary.