Reporting Racial Abuse
Unfortunately, racism continues to run through the veins of society – undetected by some, experienced by others – creating a discriminatory divide. It can expose itself as an individual overt attack, or as part of society’s structures and systems, often making it difficult to identify for those with no first-hand experience. Scarily, even the smallest of towns – like Stroud – are not exempt from this kind of cruel conduct. This point becomes increasingly evident after a recent attack on a local family near Selsley, involving a driver who attempted to run over a man after hurling racist abuse at him and his family, smashing the windscreen of their car after they had left for a walk. This is an event no person should have to experience – let alone on the premise that the quantity of melanin in their skin is different.
Racial abuse can take the form of verbal and physical abuse, bullying, threatening behaviour, online abuse and damage to property. These occurrences don’t have to be isolated incidents, they can be ongoing efforts to harass and intimidate. Whilst it is slightly disheartening the police can only charge and prosecute when the law has been broken, there are other things they can do to assist you when dealing with the incident – so despite popular belief, it is worth reporting.
Racial abuse, in legal terms, falls into the category of hate incidents and hate crimes. A hate crime can be any criminal offence committed based on prejudice towards a person based on religion, sexual orientation, disability or race. A hate incident becomes a hate crime when a criminal offence is committed. Both are reported in the same manner.
You can report the incident/crime to the police by calling 101 or texting 18001 101.
When reporting, it remains important to make clear the incident/crime was due to race – as the same method is used to report similar crimes - so this ensures the police record it correctly. If you have not heard from the police within 7 days, contact them directly by visiting your local police station or by telephone and ensure you ask for the incident reference number. Remember, you can ask someone you know to phone the police on your behalf if you are not comfortable doing so.
You can also report racial abuse on the True Vision website.
Additionally, if you are struggling, Citizens Advice Bureau are there to lend a helping hand. SARI, a Bristol based organisation offers support with legal proceedings.
Understandably, being a victim of racial abuse can be extremely distressing. Fortunately, there are organisations which offer emotional support, such as SARI and Victim Support Gloucestershire.
Victim Support Gloucestershire
If you’ve been affected by crime, call the local victim care team in Gloucestershire on 0808 281 0112 if you are over 18, or 0808 281 2446 if you are under 18 years of age. Lines are open 9am-8pm Monday to Friday.
If you need support outside of their open hours, call the Supportline for free on 08 08 16 89 111.
Go online
You can also access the 24/7 live chat service or request support via the online form.
Create a free account on My Support Space - an online resource containing interactive guides to help you manage the impact that crime has had on you.
Citizens Advice Bureau on Racist and religious hate crime
Find the full page at www.citizensadvice.org.uk.
For more information on anti-Muslim hate crime see the Tell MAMA website, at tellmamauk.org
For more information on antisemitic hate crime see the CST website at, www.thecst.org.uk