Tackling Hate Crime and supporting victims
On Wednesday October 12 Newham Council will launch its new Hate Crime Strategy, alongside a new way to report it.
Hate Crime is a criminal offence which is perceived to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic such as race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity.
Cllr Carleene Lee-Phakoe, Cabinet Member for Crime and Community Safety, said: “There is no place for Hate in Newham. Those who commit hate crimes attack the fundamental values that underpin our diverse society, values of acceptance and respect for others.
“We are committed to working with our partners to tackle all forms of Hate Crime in Newham. This new three-year strategy sets out our commitment to supporting victims of hate crime and holding perpetrators to account.”
The launch is timed to coincide with National Hate Crime Awareness Week (8 - 15 October 2022) which seeks to encourage police, councils, key partners and communities affected by hate crime to work together.
Tackling Hate Crime is a key priority for Newham Council and its Community Safety Partnership and the delivery of the Hate Crime Strategy will focus actions on prevention, education, support and holding perpetrators to account.
Reducing the number of Hate Crime offences is a priority in Newham’s corporate plan – Building a Fairer Newham.
Residents are invited to attend the launch on 12 October 2022 between 11am - 3pm at Newham Safety Centre in Westfield, Stratford City where Community Safety Officers will be available to talk more about the strategy, explaining the importance of reporting hate crimes and how to do it.
Launched alongside the strategy today is a new reporting service delivered in partnership with Stop Hate UK. Similar to the Crimestoppers, the new telephone and online service allows anyone who experiences or witnesses hate crime, to report it without directly contacting the police. This can be anonymous if the person chooses. In addition to receiving reports of crime, Stop Hate UK can offer independent support and advice, and help victims access the expertise they need.
The reporting service can be contacted on 0800 138 1625 or at www.stophateuk.org/report-hate-crime/ . The new service is available 24 hours a day.