Call to stop Hate Crime in Wolverhampton

Published by Christine Howles for Wolverhampton Homes in Communities and also in Housing, Local Government

A campaign to raise awareness of hate crime in Wolverhampton has today been launched by Wolverhampton Homes, the Mayor, the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership and Stop Hate UK.

‘Stop Hate in Wolverhampton’ aims to raise awareness of hate crime, which is when people are abused through a perceived prejudice on the part of the perpetrator.

The campaign was developed after tenants asked Wolverhampton Homes to do more to raise awareness.

Hate crime can be linked to disability, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity or gender identity.

Only 18 hate crimes were reported to Wolverhampton Homes last year. There were 252 were reported to the police in Wolverhampton, which is a reduction of 32 incidents compared to 2010 figures of 284.

However, according to Stop Hate UK, for every hate crime that is reported, eight go un-reported.

Last year tenants at Wolverhampton Homes’ Get Togethers said they would feel very reluctant to report hate crime.

Now the people of Wolverhampton are being invited to sign up to an online pledge to stop hate in Wolverhampton at www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk and report any hate crime they experience or witness.

There is also a Facebook page where people can show their support (www.facebook.com/StopHateinWolves) and people can support the campaign on Twitter by using the hashtag #stophate.

Two high profile national cases of hate crime recently have demonstrated the importance of ensuring our communities are safe and welcoming for everyone.

Hate crime can include physical assault or even murder, but can also include verbal attacks, graffiti or vandalism.

Victims of hate crime should always report it to the Police by dialling 101 or 999 in an emergency. If the victim lives in a home managed by Wolverhampton Homes or believes the perpetrator to, report it on 01902 556789.

Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Bert Turner said: “Wolverhampton is a friendly place where all kinds of people are welcome and we should be proud of that.

“The tiny minority who show prejudice and cruelty to others should be sent a strong message that Wolverhampton will not stand for it.

“I’d urge everyone to sign up to the online pledge to stop hate in Wolverhampton and to tell their friends about it too.”

Rose Simkins, Chief Executive of Stop Hate UK, said: “We welcome this campaign to raise awareness of hate crime and the way it can ruin lives. We want everyone in Wolverhampton to report any incidents they experience or witness.

“Make the pledge to give the message to perpetrators that we will not tolerate their behaviour.”

Sue Roberts, Chair of Wolverhampton Homes said: “When we’ve discussed this issue with tenants, they were very supportive and keen for us to do more to raise awareness.

“The huge majority of people are respectful but there are the odd one or two individuals who make people’s lives a misery.

“We want to make sure that the silent majority have a voice and that the victims of hate crimes are given all the support they need.

“Please sign the pledge and help us stop hate in Wolverhampton.”

Superintendent Jan Thomas-West, head of local policing for Wolverhampton, said: “Police in Wolverhampton are dedicated to improving the service provided to victims and communities affected by hate crime and will continue to work with partners.

“Through robust investigation tailored to the individual needs of those affected, we aim to give victims and communities the confidence to come forward and report hate crimes and incidents.

“We have developed policy and improved processes to ensure that every hate crime is correctly identified at the earliest opportunity, dealt with in a manner which satisfies the needs of the victim and protects those who are vulnerable from further victimisation.

“Accurate reporting of hate crime is essential to us understanding the impact on the individuals and communities concerned.”

In a consultation of Wolverhampton Homes customers in September 2011, people said that they thought hate crime was not always reported because the victims did not know it should be reported, felt that things would get worse if they reported it or that they should just have to put up with it.