It has long been recognised that Hate incidents are less likely to be reported than other types of crime, although their impact can have far-reaching and devastating consequences both for individuals and wider communities. To combat this, the South Worcestershire Hate Incident Partnership (SWHIP) has developed a scheme which includes establishing reporting centres based in local communities to allow victims and witnesses to report at locations where they feel most comfortable. A new ‘third party’ reporting format also allows people to report incidents on behalf of others.

Richard Loveridge, South Worcestershire’s Community Safety Programme Manager said: “We want to reduce the number of Hate incidents that go unreported by making it easier for people to tell the organisations who can help. People tend to think of Hate incidents as related to racism, but there are other types that are just as damaging for the victim. Race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion and belief can all trigger Hate – influenced behaviour towards an individual or group.”

SWHIP is a sub-group of South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership. It includes the County Council Hub, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum, MENCAP, Ethnic Access Link, South Worcestershire Victim Support and West Mercia Constabulary.

For more information, please contact Richard Loveridge, Tel: 01905 722233, email: rloveridge@worcester.gov.uk