Speak out against Hate Crime
Warwickshire County Council is encouraging people to speak out against Hate Crime, as part of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week (17 to 21 November 2008).
‘Anti Bullying Week’ is a national campaign and this years’ theme is “being different – belonging together”. It is supported locally by Warwickshire’s Anti-bullying Partnership, Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety Team, the County’s Equality and Diversity Coordinator and Warwickshire Police.
Part of the campaign focuses on understanding diversity and stamping out discrimination including hate crime - which is any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by an offender’s hatred of someone because of their:
- race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins
- religion
- gender or gender identity
- sexual orientation
- disability
In Warwickshire, posters and leaflets have been created and have been distributed to secondary schools, colleges and youth clubs to raise awareness of these issues and what you can do to help stop it.
Warwickshire Police have set up a Hate Crime Helpline for people to report incidents. The number - 0845 129 2221 – is printed on the posters. Young people can also get help by texting Text2Talk on 07786 200 999.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families, said: “This scheme enables young people to help put an end to bullying – whether they are a victim themselves or know someone who is, and it highlights the fact that bullying will not be tolerated in Warwickshire.”
A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police, said: ”Warwickshire Police is committed to protecting people from harm and would encourage anyone who feels that they are being bullied, or who knows someone who is being bullied, to report it.
“We have a dedicated helpline where people who are being bullied because of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability can request help. There is also Text2Talk where young people can text their concerns.”
If you are being bullied or know someone who is, further information and support is available at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/bullying.