WEST Mercia Police Work With South Worcestershire Citizens Advice To Tackle Hate Crime.

Have you or someone you know been a victim of a Hate Crime or Hate Incident?

Hate Crimes and Incidents come in many different forms. It can be because of hatred on the grounds of your race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability.

Hate Crime in any form is wrong. That is why it is important that if Hate Crime happens to you or someone you know, that you report it. Hate Crime can be reported in several ways, such as in person, by telephone or online to West Mercia Police.

West Mercia Police are also working in conjunction with South Worcestershire Citizens Advice Bureau to accommodate reporting at “Third Party Reporting Centres”, where victims already feel comfortable and safe. Initially these centres will be at the Citizens Advice offices in Malvern and Evesham.

Staff at these centres have been trained to take these reports and will provide support to those people reporting incidents or their concerns.

Speaking about the Third Party Reporting Centres, Adrian Symonds, West Mercia Police’s Equality and Diversity Advisor for Worcestershire and Herefordshire said:

“Tackling hate crime and encouraging people to report it remains a priority for West Mercia Police. No-one should suffer any form of abuse just because they are seen as different and hate crime can relate to many topics such as race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability.

“We hope that being able to report hate crimes at Third Party Reporting Centres such as the Citizens Advice Bureau will give victims, or people that know victims, the confidence to come forward and report incidents.

“Sadly many victims feel vulnerable and are concerned they will not be supported. I would like to reassure them that this is simply not the case.

“Anyone who believes they are suffering hate crime should call West Mercia Police immediately on 101 or visit one of the reporting centres.”

Richard West, Advice Services Manager at South Worcestershire Cab said “we are pleased to be able to offer the facility at our offices throughout the Malvern Hills District starting in August 2014. Nationally research indicates that discrimination, hate and gender violence are often hidden issues that underlie clients’ presenting problems. We want our clients to feel safe and confident in reporting these issues to us “

For further information and advice, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or see www.adviceguide.org.uk.

Your local bureau – South Worcestershire Citizens Advice Bureau is open:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm, Wednesday (Specialist Debt Advice - by appointment).

Tel: 01684 563611