Safer Bristol Partnership consults on new Hate Crime strategy

Release Date: 03-Jul-2009

The Safer Bristol Partnership is consulting on a new Hate Crime Strategy. The term ‘hate crime’ refers to any incident, which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate. This can include attacks on or harassment of people because of their race, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

Hate crime can compromise the quality of life for individuals and communities. Informed and supported by the collection of agencies that form the Safer Bristol Partnership and from local communities, the strategy will identify and respond to locally established priorities for tackling Hate Crime.

Brian McCutcheon, chair of the Safer Bristol Partnership which is coordinating the consultation, said: “Everyone in the Safer Bristol Partnership is committed to working together to keep improving the quality of life for hate crime victims in Bristol and to encourage people to treat each other with respect and consideration.

“Safer Bristol is committed to ensuring that local communities are aware of what actions are being undertaken. People's views on the strategy are essential as we set our plans for the next five years.”

Stop Hate Crime logo The strategy outlines how the Safer Bristol Partnership aims to:

Improve statutory, voluntary and community service providers’ responses to hate crime
Prevent hate crime
Increase the reporting of hate crime
Increase the number of offenders brought to justice
Improve victim safety
Reduce the tolerance of hate crime

Brian said: “We want to know people's personal experiences because their views will ensure we help keep them and others safe from hate crime, now and in the future.

“If anyone has experienced a hate crime/ incident, and either did or didn't report it, their perspective will help to make a difference, so let us know”.

A copy of the Hate Crime Strategy 2009 - 2014 can be seen and comments can be made on www.saferbristol.org.uk. The consultation closes on 24 July. Hard copies can be obtained by ringing 0117 9142222.

Respond to the consultation >>

How to report hate crime >>

Author: Vicky O'Loughlin

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