Update: Stop the Hate

Stop the Hate

CONFERENCE

The multi-agency ‘Stop the Hate’ conference, presented by the Strategic Hate Crime Prevention Partnership (SHCPP), was held on 4th December 2013 in Chelmsford. It marked the launch of a countywide multi-agency campaign promoting hate crime awareness and reporting.

The event was jointly funded by Essex Safeguarding Adults Board (Safeguarding Adults Project), Southend Council Adult and Community Services and Thurrock Council Community Safety Partnership.

220 delegates attended the conference, with representation from police (Essex Police and other forces), statutory and public services, health services, third sector organisations, practitioners, faith leaders, service users and victims.

Workshop discussions were based around key themes for inclusion in the SHCPP business plan which will be published later in the spring. Discussions were delegate led with facilitator guidance.

Criminal Justice – considering restorative justice and perpetrator programs

Schools and Education – sharing good practice and considering strategies, ethos and training
Community – training and awareness – promoting diversity, awareness and reporting in the wider community on a sustainable basis
Transport – keeping the public and staff safe on public transport systems
Health – developing professional partnerships

Faith – the role of interfaith groups and the responsibility of faith leaders in tackling hate crime

The Business Plan will also include a joint initiative with the Essex Football Association to help tackle bullying and discrimination within the game.

STOP THE HATE

‘Stop the Hate’ is the new county-wide multi-agency identity for all work that tackles Hate Crime. To support the campaign, a brand logo has been developed, together with ‘Report It to Sort It’ strapline. A new website www.stopthehate.org.uk is now a one stop shop for all hate crime related information, advice, news, HIRC networking and has the potential, in the future, to offer an on-line reporting service. Promotional materials of pens, stickers, posters and leaflets support the campaign.

HATE INCIDENT REPORTING CENTRES (HIRCs)/HATE CRIME AMBASSADORS

New HIRCs were piloted in Southend, Basildon and Chelmsford from July until end of November. The pilot is now complete and the ‘Stop the Hate’ conference marked the official launch of the countywide HIRC program. This is creating a network of community Hate Incident Reporting Centres and Hate Crime Ambassadors across Essex that are supported by accredited Essex Police HIRC training in hate crime awareness and report taking enabling participants to work under an agreed protocol.

The HIRC/HCA network will engage actively in promoting hate crime awareness and work closely with the Essex Police Hate Crime Officer Team and other public, community and statutory services.