In the news: Basildon Council stands against Hate Crime

National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place from 12-19 October 2024 to raise awareness of Hate Crime and encourage collective action to tackle prejudice. Hate Crime is a criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or anybody else to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone's race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability. Hate Crime can include verbal abuse, threats, harassment intimidation, damage to property and assault.

Victims or witnesses of Hate Crime can visit the HIRC at the Basildon Centre, St. Martin's Square, Basildon, SS14 1DL. Members of staff are registered Hate Crime Ambassadors, and will work closely with Essex Police and partner agencies to provide further support.

This week, Basildon Council is hosting pop-up events for residents to learn more about the HIRC and Hate Crime Awareness Week. The pop-ups will take place on:

• Wednesday 16 October - Riverview Shops, Clayhill Road - 10am-12pm
• Thursday 17 October - Eastgate Shopping Centre- 11am-1pm and Wickford high street - 1.30pm-3.30pm

Councillor Melissa McGeorge, Basildon Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement said: "Hate Crime in Basildon borough is real crime and will not be tolerated - everyone living, working or visiting Basildon has the right to feel safe. The Hate Incident Reporting Centre will provide a safe and supportive space for victims and witnesses of Hate Crime to report incidents to trained ambassadors. No one should suffer in silence, we encourage those that are a victim of Hate Crime to report it through the HIRC or anonymously through Essex Police. Basildon Council is standing against hatred and discrimination. We all have a part to play to ensure people can continue to feel safe within our community."

Find out more about Hate Crime Awareness Week - National Hate Crime Awareness Week - Nationalhcaw

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Published 15 October 2024