In support of national Hate Crime Awareness Week, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner) David Allen hears first-hand how restorative justice is supporting victims of hate crime in Cumbria.
Hate crime is a crime defined as being motivated by prejudice towards any aspect of an individual’s identity such as a disability, sexuality, race or religion.
Hate Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action that aims to raise awareness of and educate people about preventing hate crime. The week of activity encourages people to stand in support of those affected by hate crime, as well as standing up against hate crime itself.
David Allen commissions Remedi, a restorative justice organisation in Cumbria and recently met with their practioners and a victim of antisemitic hate incidents in Windermere, to hear about the consequences of hate speech/actions and the long-lasting effect it can have.
Talking about the meeting, David Allen comments: “There is no place for hate crime in Cumbria.
“As part of Hate Crime Awareness week, we look to raise awareness of how to report but also look to educate the public on the distressing impact this crime can have on an individual or a community.
“Although hate crime has dropped by 21% in the last twelve months across the county and we are in the top six performing forces for hate crime convictions, there has been a few incidents in the county that suggested to us that if we didn’t step in now, we could see a rise in the future.
“Remedi are experts in bringing victims and perpetrators together so that the perpetrator can hear the effects of their actions and victims can receive closure in a non-judgemental way, which makes them the perfect organisation to deliver these sessions. I am delighted to make use of their services.
“To listen to the openness and honesty regarding the impact hate crime has had on the victim was humbling. We need to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their race, gender, age or anything else and also accept that it is OK to be different.
“We can all help to stop hate crime in our communities, making our county better for everyone. Words and actions online or in real life, have consequences and our behaviour has an impact on those around us.
“Hate crimes are often under reported so it is important that people know to come forwards, have the confidence that they will be taken seriously and trust the police will listen to them. If you have been affected by a hate crime or incident, please do not to suffer in silence. Help is available.
“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, my role is to be the voice of residents within Cumbria, in respect of the Police and Fire services – I am your voice. If any member of the public has a concern about hate crime in their area, or around the Constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, please raise it with me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or call 01768 217734.”
Dave Bates, Remedi’s Operations manager comments: “Restorative interventions can greatly contribute to a hate crime victim’s coping and recovery journey, they provide closure from the traumatic event(s). It also gives them an opportunity to let those responsible know, through the practitioners, how hate crime effects people and communities.
“Remedi is a confidential service and we would welcome any opportunities to talk to any hate crime victims, to explore how the Restorative support might help them. If anyone would like a confidential conversation about our services, a member of the Remedi team can be contacted on: 07724847239.”
T/ Superintendent Annette McClement, Hate Crime lead for Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Cumbria Police take hate crime extremely seriously. Targeting a person because of who they are is unacceptable. Those guilty of such crimes should expect to be held to account by the police for their actions.
“We recognise that reporting incidents to police may be daunting in what can be a distressing time and that as a result, hate crime is generally under reported.
“I hope that by raising awareness of what hate crime is and how to report it this week, it will encourage anyone who has been subjected to a hate crime to report it to us with confidence.
“Our officers work all-year-round to protect Cumbria against hate related crimes and we have specially trained officers who can deal with hate crime reports sensitively and investigate reports to ensure those who carry out these acts are appropriately dealt with.”
You can report a hate crime or hate incident by calling the police on 101. Alternatively, you can report it online using the Police’s True Vision website. Always call 999 if you’re reporting a crime that’s in progress or if someone is in immediate danger.