Working towards a safe, strong, and equal Camden this Hate Crime Awareness Week
This National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2021, which runs from 9 to 16 October, 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, hate incidents and discriminatory behaviour.
The week encourages councils, key partners and communities to work together to tackle and overcome hate crime.
“National Hate Crime Awareness Week acts as a focal point for all of us to stand in solidarity with those affected by hate crimes and incidents, to remember those we have lost, and support those who need ongoing support.
“We know that the vast majority of residents in Camden want the borough to be a safe, strong and equal place for everyone who lives, works and studies here, however incidents such as the appalling case of antisemitic hate speech on Finchley Road in May show that we must continue to do all we can to ensure that Camden 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.
“We want to make sure our residents are able to recognise hate crimes and incidents and know how to safely challenge and report hateful behaviour.
“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.”
Andy Carter, Chief Superintendent, BCU Commander, Central North – Camden & Islington said:
“Regardless of anyone’s race, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, or transgender identity, no one should be victimised for who they are or what they believe in.
“My officers are here to listen and help anyone who feels they have been a victim of a hate crime in Camden. I am committed to working alongside partners to tackle hate crime in all forms.”
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 based on disability, race or ethnicity, religion, transgender identity, or sexual orientation, it may be a hate crime.
Anyone can report hate incidents to the council, the police or one of our partner organisations. Even if you don’t report a hate incident or crime straightaway, please do report it.
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.
- 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:
- Stop Hate UK is one of the leading national organisations working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Stop Hate UK provides independent, confidential, and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties. Their services can be accessed at www.stophateuk.org/
- Galop are an LGBT+ anti-violence charity that provide advice, support and advocacy to people who have experienced hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Galop are an independent organisation, and their services are confidential and free. For more information, please visit their website at www.galop.org.uk
- TELL MAMA support victims of anti-Muslim hate and is a public service which also measures and monitors anti-Muslim incidents. If you have been a victim of an anti-Muslim prejudiced incident or hate crime you can report it to them at www.tellmamauk.org/submit-a-report-to-us
- forum+ support victims of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crime across Camden and Islington and in surrounding boroughs where appropriate. forum+ aim to promote equality and diversity by the elimination of discrimination in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people living, working, socialising and/or studying in Camden and Islington. You can access their service at www.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. For more information, visit www.camdenpeoplefirst.org.uk
- Community Security Trust is a charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats. For more information, please visit 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’ve been affected by crime, they can give you the support you need to move forward. Their services are free, confidential and can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org.uk
- Camden Disability Action (CDA) is a Disabled People’s User Led Organisation which aims to deliver a radically inclusive borough for Disabled people living, working, studying, or volunteering in Camden. It provides, services, support, and empowerment pathways for Disabled people, as well as advice and leadership to a broad range of organisations in relation to disability matters. CDA provide advocacy and support to Disabled people who are experiencing abuse, harassment or violence. For more information, please visit https://camdendisabilityaction.org.uk/
- Met Police and British Transport Police. The police will record any crime as a hate crime where the victim or any other person perceives it was motivated by hostility or prejudice towards their identity. In an emergency always call 999. Non-emergency incidents can be reported online via report-it.org.uk. Alternatively, if you are a victim or witness to any form of hate crime on the railway, you can contact British Transport Police www.btp.police.uk