NINETEEN hate crime ambassadors attended a networking forum on Wednesday 29 June hosted by Thurrock Coalition on behalf of Essex Police and Thurrock Community Safety Partnership.
Professionals discussed possibilities to raise awareness of what hate crime is and how together we can support victims.
Cllr Terry Brookes, portfolio holder for public protection was thrilled at the turn out, “We now have 41 ambassadors trained to support victims of hate crime and 3 hate incident reporting centres established.
“Hate crime has a detrimental effect on individuals, families and the whole community.
He added “I’m pleased that we have the right people around the table making proactive and positive steps to tackle hate crime.
Inspector Lee Argent from Essex police explained how seriously under reported hate crime is and went on to explain the new campaign ‘stop the hate – report it to sort it’.
‘Stop the hate – report it to sort it’ defines hate crimes or prejudice-based incidents as any incident, which may constitute a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hostility towards a personal characteristic defined as race, religion, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation.
If you experience Hate Crime:
As soon as you can, go somewhere you know is safe and get help,
In an emergency call 999. Otherwise call the police on 101,
Tell the police what has happened and why you think it is a hate crime,
If you do not have the confidence to talk to the police there are details of hate incident reporting centres at www.stopthehate.org.uk or you can report on-line at www.report-it.org.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
More information about hate crime can be found at thurrock.gov.uk/hate-crime
