Hello, I am here to talk about Hate Crime Awareness Week. It starts on Saturday, 14 October until Saturday, 21 October. Have you been feeling bad, unsafe or scared?
Maybe someone has been attacking you, stalking you, or abusing you.
This kind of incident means Hate Crime.
People are harassing you for different reasons:
- Race - Black, White, or Asian
- Religion – Catholic, Protestant, Jew, or Muslim
- Sexual Orientation – Straight, Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual
- Disability – Deaf, in a Wheelchair, or Blind
- Transgender Identity – Male to Female or Female to Male
When you are targeted, do not stay silent. You should report it to the Police. Hate Crime happens every day and everywhere. People hardly report it to the Police. Perhaps they are frightened or have no access. But, there are third party reporting centres out there.
What are they? How can they help you?
If you are frightened or do not want to go to the Police, that is okay. You can go to a centre where there is someone there to help you. You report the incident to the person. The person supports you by filling in a form. With your permission, the form will be handed over to the Police.
BDA Scotland has a third party reporting centre here in the office.
If you feel bad, unsafe, or scared, please come over and the staff will support you, all in BSL. You report the incident and the staff will fill in the form. With your consent, the staff will give the form to the Police. As we all know, Hate Crime is a serious offence.
Do Not Stay Silent About Hate Crime
Be open and report!
There is growing understanding among services that crimes motivated by prejudice have a damaging effect on individuals and communities.
Social isolation, feelings of anger, shame and embarrassment, mistrust, depression, fearfulness and anxiety are all common reactions for victims of hate crime. These in turn can impact on many areas of life including employment, education, health, housing, relationships and ability to fully participate in society.
Hate Crime Awareness Week starts today and runs until the 21st October. Please take the time to watch the video above (English transcript also available) and use the links below for more information on how to deal with and report incidents of hate crime.
Do not stay silent about hate crime.
