We’re supporting Hate Crime Awareness Week to send out a message that hate crime will not be tolerated in our city.
This year’s Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from 8 to 16 October. It’s been established as the week people around the country show support to people affected by hate crime.
Hate crime covers a range of behaviour motivated by prejudice towards a person’s gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or trans identity.
If this happens to you, please do report it.
Talking to someone can be part of the process of looking after yourself when you have experienced harmful behaviour.
Local research tells us that when someone reporting an incident is treated with respect, taken seriously, is asked what they’d like to happen and are clear about the action that will be taken, the level of harm they feel can often reduce immediately.
Reporting also helps set an example that hate crime is not acceptable.
This year, we’ve been working with community partners to offer an alternative option of reporting hate incidents in a confidential safe space.
Possability People, the Racial Harassment Forum and the Rainbow Hub are working together as third-party reporting centres for the city.
We know not everyone is comfortable reporting to the council or the police, so anyone targeted in a hate incident now also has the option of talking to one of the reporting centres confidentially.
Possability People
Montague House, Montague Place, Brighton, BN2 1JE
Phone: 01273 894 040
Open: 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
Racial Harassment Forum
Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Phone: 01273 234 017 or 07563 389482
Open: 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Rainbow Hub
Ledward Centre, Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1UU
Phone: 07714 782585
Open: 11am to 4pm, Friday to Sunday
The centres have handled 20 reports of hate incidents so far, with all feedback on the service positive.
As part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, the Rainbow Hub and Racial Harassment Forum are holding a solidarity vigil against hate crime from 6pm on Thursday 13 October in Jubilee Square, Brighton, BN1 1GE.
Everyone is invited join the vigil to remember those we have lost and those who need on-going support, as we stand together as a community and seek to prevent further hate crimes.
A range of speakers participating in the vigil, including representatives from the new third-party reporting centres.
Councillor Steph Powell, Co-chair of the Tourism Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee, said:
“Brighton & Hove is a vibrant and diverse city. We do not - and never will - tolerate hate in our city.
“I was so pleased to be at the launch of the Hate Crime Third Party Reporting Centres, which offer specialist support for anyone affected by a hate incident.
“It’s acknowledged good practice to have centres where people can report hate incidents in a safe and confidential space.
“We know that not everyone wants to report to statutory bodies such as the council or the police. It’s important for us to work with trusted community partners to make sure everyone has the option of reporting hate crime where they feel comfortable and able to trust those to whom they are reporting.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe. Brighton & Hove is a welcoming and diverse city, and we’re proud of our commitment to equality and inclusion for all.
“If you’ve been affected by hate crime, please do report it wherever you feel comfortable. You will be listened to, and you will be taken seriously.”
Everyone in Brighton & Hove has a right to feel safe.
We are committed to supporting anyone harmed by hate crime.
We encourage anyone who has experienced anti-social behaviour or hate incidents, harassment or distress due to their identity, to report it.
As well as reporting to third party reporting centres, you can report hate incidents or ASB to Sussex Police on 101 if it’s not an emergency. In an emergency, always call 999.
Council tenants, council leaseholders and tenants of leaseholders who've experienced hate incidents or ASB should report it to Housing Customer Services. Housing association tenants need to report incidents to their landlord.
Private rented sector tenants and owner occupiers can report hate incidents and ASB to the Community Safety Team using our online anti-social behaviour and hate incident reporting form or by contacting our Community Safety team by emailing communitysafety.casework@brighton-hove.gov.uk or calling 01273 292735.