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 14 to 21 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 disability, race or ethnicity, religion or faith, sexual orientation or transgender.
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.
As part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Possability People, the Racial Harassment Forum and the Rainbow Hub are holding a solidarity vigil against hate crime from 6pm on Wednesday 18 October in Jubilee Square, Brighton, BN1 1 GE.
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 will be participating in the vigil, including representatives from the third-party reporting centres. They'll be joined at the event by Council Leader Bella Sankey and Councillor Leslie Pumm, chair of the council’s Equality, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee.
We’re continuing to work 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 more than 80 reports of hate incidents since being set up last year, with all feedback on the service positive.
Councillor Pumm said [tbc]: “We’re proud to support Hate Crime Awareness Week and will be standing in solidarity against hate crime at the vigil on Wednesday.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe. We’re committed to equality and inclusion for all people and we do not tolerate hate in our vibrant and diverse city.
“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.
“If you’re not comfortable reporting to statutory bodies such as the council or the police, you can talk to any of our Hate Crime Third Party Reporting Centres.
“They’re here to offer an extra safe and confidential space for anyone affected by hate incidents.”
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 community partners, 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.