Service is launched to help tackle hate crime in West Sussex

The hate incident support service has been set up by the county council harm reduction team and Victim Support Sussex, a charity offering free, confidential information and support to victims and witnesses of crime.

The service is designed to:

*Provide victims with one-to-one emotional and practical support.

*Provide support in magistrates and crown courts where appropriate.

*Reduce repeat victimisation.

*Promote and enable social inclusion.

*Collect data about incidents so preventative action can be taken.

Harm reduction team co-ordinator Beverly Knight said hate incidents and crime might include name-calling, assault, harassment, offensive literature, graffiti, criminal damage and threats of violence.

"Hate incidents and crimes occur where it is believed the victim has been targeted because of their actual or perceived race/ethnicity, religion/belief, gender identity, disability or sexual orientation," she said.

Anyone experiencing or witnessing a hate crime or incident can report it, in confidence, by using a form developed by the hate incident support service.

Reports can be made by:

*Completing the form online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/harmreduction

*Emailing [email protected]

*Sending a hard copy to Victim Support at PO Box 101, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 8UA.

*Calling 0845 075 1021 '“ staffed 8am-8pm, answerphone available at other times.

*Faxing 01293 536888.

Cllr Peter Evans, county cabinet member for public safety, said: "If you believe you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime or incident, don't hesitate '“ report it.

"Reporting such incidents and crime is very important because it helps the Hate Incident Support Service identify where problem areas are and helps us to improve services to deal with hate incidents. I would encourage people to report all hate incidents '“ even those that may not seem serious.

"As the publicity for the hate incident support service says, 'Hate hurts. Don't support it '“ Report it!'"

The harm reduction team also delivers training to schools and voluntary and statutory organisations, with the aim of promoting respect for diversity and an understanding of prejudice and its effects.

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