Sussex victims share their stories as hate crimes rise during lockdown

Victims of hate crimes in Sussex have bravely shared their stories to encourage others to come forward after the county saw a rise in hate crime over the lockdown.
Sussex PoliceSussex Police
Sussex Police

Sussex Police is urging people to report crimes as it marks Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 10 – 17).

It comes as the Sussex Hate Incident Support Service offered support to 1557 victims of hate crime during the first six months of its operation – 50 per cent more than the service was expecting.

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From March-September 2020, there were 1926 incidents of hate crime reported to Sussex Police, an increase of 12 per cent compared to the previous six months.

Of these reports, 60 per cent were race related, with spikes during and after the Black Lives Matter protests.

One of the victims was Rexha Besnik from Bexhill.

He was on his way to work in April when he was nearly involved in a collision with another vehicle.

The occupants of the vehicle attended the victim’s workplace and verbally abused him, making reference to his race, police said.

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One of the women also damaged a pair of sunglasses the victim was wearing.

In agreement with the victim, the two women were both given a caution for racially-aggravated public order.

One of the women was also given a caution for criminal damage.

Mr Besnik said: “I am glad that I reported the matter to police.

“The hope is these people will not do the same again.

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“I have found reporting the incident a positive experience and was offered victim services which also helped me.

“I am happy with the police, they were quick to respond and I was kept updated of the outcome.”

Meanwhile Charlie Cressey was a victim of hate crime in Hove in May.

While volunteering for a beach patrol team helping vulnerable people during the night time economy, Mr Cressey and a friend approached an intoxicated man to offer support.

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The man became abusive and started shouting homophobic insults at the victim.

He was arrested for homophobic-aggravated public order.

In agreement with the victim, the man was issued with a community resolution requiring him to write a 500-word apology letter to the victim and to make a donation of £60 to the Brighton Beach Patrol the victim was volunteering for.

Mr Cressey said: “This experience has helped me realise than any form of hate crime is not acceptable and people do not have to be living with the fear of being a victim of it.

“There are so many people that will look out for you if you speak out. For myself, Sussex Police was a great support and helped me through it all.”

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A hate crime is defined as ‘any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender’.

It does not always include physical violence – someone using offensive language towards you or harassing you, or posting abusive comments or messages online, can also constitute a hate crime.

Sussex Police is urging people to report hate crimes so that offences can be investigated and victims can be supported.

Superintendent Rachel Swinney, Sussex Police’s hate crime lead, said: “Hate crime is damaging, disrespectful and creates fear and humiliation.

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“This can impact not only on those directly exposed to it, but also the wider community.

“It’s not okay to be targeted because of who you are, or because of who people think you are.

“If you have been a victim of hate crime, remember it is not your fault and help is available.

“By reporting to us, you may be able to prevent it from happening again to yourself or to another.

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“Our officers and staff are trained to deal sensitively and professionally with reports of hate crime.

“They understand that it can sometimes be difficult to explain what has happened, but they are there to help you and can provide details of other support services that may be available.

“We take hate crime very seriously and we want to hear about incidents so we can respond effectively.

“Make the right call and report to us via our website, our 101 non-emergency number, or if it’s an emergency through 999.”

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The new Sussex Hate Incident Support Service, run by Victim Support, provides frontline support to complex, high risk and vulnerable victims of hate crime, providing immediate emotional support, advice and coordination with partner agencies including Sussex Police.

Service Team Leader Carole Peapell says that it has been ‘particularly sad that in these unprecedented times, when so many in our community are pulling together to help each other, we have seen an increase in hate incidents driven by distrust, hostility and prejudice’.

In lockdown months the service has received reports of verbal abuse, online bullying, criminal damage, harassment and threatening behaviour designed to cause fear and distress.

They have even had key workers who have been spat at and abused and sadly 16 per cent of the cases referred to them involved some form of physical violence.

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Mrs Bourne said: “Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have seen people across all communities come together and show an immense amount of kindness towards each other.

“However it saddens me that, during this time, we have also seen a significant rise in crimes driven by hatred and I’m concerned that these figures may just be the tip of the iceberg.

“I’m pleased that Sussex Police and partner agencies are reassuring residents of their determination to stamp out hate crime.

“If you come forward you will be believed, you will be taken seriously, and I will continue to ensure that you receive the help and support you need.”

To report a hate crime, visit the Sussex Police website, call 101 or call 999 in an emergency.