With recent hightened disorders in many communities, our local forces are looking to help local business increase awareness and staying vigilant when doing business.
Dial West Cheshire, the disability rights charity in Cheshire West, presented a spotlight for
BforB Chester on Hate Crime. A Hate Crime is ‘any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone based on a personal characteristic.’
Hate Crimes have historically been under-reported because of the personal nature of the crimes. Being targeted because of a personal characteristic, such as being LGBTQ, disabled, older, or in a minority ethnic group increases the fear of being victimised again. Indeed, many people are subjected to repeated “low level” crimes – having things thrown at their house, vandalism, threats, criminal damage. The stress can be unbearable.
As a charity working with disabled people, we have clients and customers that confide in us about ways in which they have been targeted because of their disability. There is often a reluctance to report to the police.
So how do we help?
Dial West Cheshire is one of a number of Hate Crime Reporting Centres in West Cheshire. We will support any individual who discloses an incident to report it to the police. Some incidents may seem like small beans to an outsider, but for the victim, it could have a huge negative impact on their wellbeing. By correctly identifying incidents as being hate crimes, the local police will prioritize and investigate the incident.
It's not always about arrest and conviction. There are a variety of interventions that can be put in place to make the person feel safer. The police can support victims by increasing police presence during times when the offences happen. They can confront offending parties, without directly involving the victim. Victims can be referred to supporting agencies.
What businesses and individuals can do. If you become aware of a hate crime, whether through personally witnessing it or because someone confides in you, there is a mechanism called Third Party Reporting. Its easy. You can call 101, you can contact a Third party reporting centre or you can do it online. We would always recommend that, where possible, you do this with the consent and knowledge of the victim.
If nothing else, reporting hate incidents offers valuable intel to the local police force which contributes to strategy and mapping of resources that ultimately support those most vulnerable in society.
When at BforB meetings notify your organiser immediately. Or Email details: enquiries@bforb.co.uk

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