Tackling hate crime
What is hate crime?
Hate crime is any offence committed against person or property
which is motivated by the offender’s hatred of people because they
are seen as being different.
It could be because of:
- Race, ethnicity or nationality
- Religion or belief
- Sexuality
- Gender or transgender
- Disability, health or mental health
- Age
This could include incidents of:
- verbal abuse
- harassment or threats
- physical assault of any kind
- damage to home or property
- bullying
- graffiti and vandalism
- any other form of intimidation not listed above
You can tell us about hate crime in confidence. We will support
you.
We believe any hate crime is totally unacceptable. We will deal
robustly with any Somer Community Housing Trust tenant (or people
who live in Somer Community Housing Trust homes) who carry out hate
crimes.
It is really important that you report hate crime. Lots of
people do not. When you report it, you are making a big difference.
Not only does it help you get support, you are also helping us to
make your community safer.
When you contact us:
- We will put you at the centre of what we do. Our first concern
is your safety and well being.
- We will aim to see you within 24 hours of you contacting us, at
a location of your choice. If you need it we can arrange for an
interpreter.
- An Officer will be assigned to work with you.
- What you tell us will remain confidential, unless you give us
permission to talk to anyone else.
- We work closely with other agencies such as the police, the
local authority and specialist support organisations to keep you
safe and support you. If you agree to it we will contact them for
you. We will keep you informed about this and they may contact you
themselves.
- We will deal with any graffiti or vandalism to your home as a
priority.
- We will agree a plan with you about how we will help you.
This could include:
- Supporting you to stay in your home safely
- Making your home more secure
- Help and support with moving house
- Advice you if you need emergency housing
- Getting you specialist support
- Looking at legal interventions such as injunctions to protect
you
- Taking action against the people who are harassing you. We will
usually work with other people and organisations to do this.