London,
09
October
2020
|
14:54
Europe/London

A safe, strong and equal Camden this Hate Crime Awareness Week

During National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Camden Council is highlighting the fact that no one in the borough should have to suffer from or experience the pain caused by hate crime.

Running from 10 to 17 October, the week encourages local authorities, key partners and communities to work together to tackle and overcome hate crime.

Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion
National Hate Crime Awareness Week serves to bring people together to stand in solidarity with those affected by hate crime, to remember those we have lost, and support those who need ongoing support.

“We want Camden to be a safe, strong and equal place for everyone who lives, works and studies here. This is no place for hate.

“It is important to remember however that if you do witness harmful or hateful behaviour in our borough, or experience it yourself, there is help and support available.

“By reporting hateful behaviour when it happens to you, or when you see it happen to someone else, you may be able to help us stop others being targeted in the same way. You will also help us and the Police better understand any issues in your local area so we can better respond and importantly offer you the most suitable support.”
Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion

Hate incidents can take many different forms including verbal and online abuse, threats, bullying, physical violence and damage to property.

If you see any incident that is perceived by the victim or any other person to be racist, homophobic, transphobic, or due to a person’s religion, belief, gender identity or disability, it may be a hate crime.

Although the vast majority of Camden residents’ respect and celebrate diversity, incidents of hate crime remains an issue.

While the pandemic has had a significant impact on recorded crime, there has notably been a 1% increase in overall hate crime in the 12 months to August 2020 from 1,088 to 1,102 offences.

This is in contrast to the overall reported hate crimes in London which have seen a 15% increase since last year.

During the pandemic the council have focused on working with its partners to actively engage with its local communities, in spite of the challenges, so that they can contribute to the improvement of its approach to tackling hate crime at all levels.

Councillor Hai continued:

“This National Hate Crime Awareness Week we are launching our new campaign ‘A safe, strong and equal Camden’.

“As well as incorporating hate crime awareness work, this campaign reiterates that Camden is no place for hate, but also celebrates and promotes our diversity and the strength that brings to building and sustaining safe, strong and cohesive communities.

“We want to make sure our residents are able to recognise hate incidents, and how to safely challenge and report hateful behaviour.”

If you see any incident that is perceived by the victim or any other person to be racist, homophobic, transphobic, or due to a person’s religion, belief, gender identity or disability, it may be a hate crime.

To report this behaviour:

  • If someone is in danger call the Police on 999. For non-emergencies call 101 or visit your local police station.
  • For information on how to report online through the Police and partner organisations, visit: www.camden.gov.uk/hate-crime
  • Call the Council on 020 7974 4444.
  • Even if you don’t report a hate crime straight away, please do report it.
  • More information on recognising and reporting hate crime can be found at: www.camden.gov.uk/hate-crime

 

Camden takes a partnership approach to tackling hate crime in a way that enables strong, integrated communities that are resilient to extremism, hate crime and terrorist influences. Below are some of the partners we work with to tackle hate crime:

Galop is an LGBT+ anti-violence charity that provides advice, support and advocacy to people who have experienced hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence. http://www.galop.org.uk/

TELL MAMA supports victims of anti-Muslim hate and is a public service which also measures and monitors anti-Muslim incidents. https://tellmamauk.org/submit-a-report-to-us/

forum+ supports victims of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crime, across Camden and Islington and in surrounding boroughs where appropriate. https://forumplus.org.uk/

Camden People First is a self-advocacy project run and led by people with learning difficulties. Camden People First ensure that people with learning difficulties in Camden have their full rights and privileges as citizens, by empowering them to speak up for themselves. http://camdenpeoplefirst.org.uk/

Community Security Trust is a charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats. https://cst.org.uk/about-cst

Victim Support is an independent charity that helps people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve. If you have been affected by crime, they can give you the support you need to move forward. Their services are free, confidential. https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

British Transport Police (BTP) and Met Police