The Hate Crime Network is a project offering a third party reporting mechanism for hate crime across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. Hate Crime is any crime or incident where the victim or a witness believes the person has been targeted because the perpetrator has a hostility towards their Disability, Race, Religion, Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity.
This app (Apple iOS, Google Android, HTML) allows you to report hate crime and get information about the project. Once you have reported you will be contacted within 48 hours by our caseworker who will take you through next steps, this may include a home visit, helping you contact the Police, supporting you through any court proceedings or any other support you feel you need. We also offer training and support to agencies who work with communities at risk of hate crime. The project is run by Milton Keynes Equality Council and commissioned by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner.
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Under-reported
This kind of crime is under-reported, with the Crime Survey of England and Wales estimating in 2013 that 60 per cent of hate crimes go unreported. The Hate Crime Network is working to identify and reduce barriers to reporting and the app will provide victims and witnesses with a way to report incidents when and where they happen.
The network also helps victims and witnesses make a formal report to Thames Valley Police or offers appropriate advice and information to those victims requiring emotional support.
Mr Stansfeld said: ?If we are to effectively tackle hate crime we must help communities and individuals understand what hate crime is and encourage victims and witnesses to report it.
?This app will greatly assist in reaching out to those at risk and allowing victims to report hate crime 24/7 and wherever they are.
?I am pleased that I have been able to support the Hate Crime Network in developing this app and I hope it will help those who may feel uncomfortable speaking to someone directly, to come forward to report and get support.?
Hannah O?Neil, director of the Hate Crime Network, said: ?Reporting hate crime can be quite daunting so we want to make reporting as easy and accessible as possible.
?Once people have reported we will support them where appropriate and work with them to ensure they feel confident and safe.”
Sources: Get Reading