Welsh Government
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
Hate crime victims in Wales mustn’t suffer in silence - Minister
The hate crime framework outlines the steps Ministers will take to address the issue, including challenging stereotypes and helping victims have the confidence to report crimes against them.
Under the law hate crime is an offence which is perceived by the victim to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s actual or perceived disability, race, religion and belief, sexual orientation and sexual identity.
Measures in the plan include:
- Addressing under-reporting as many victims of hate crime do not report incidents or crimes against them, especially among migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and Gypsies and Travellers.
- Raising awareness of hate crime as some victims are not aware that the abuse they have suffered is actually a crime.
- Challenging stereotypes to promote greater understanding and tolerance of different cultures, backgrounds, races and lifestyles.
- Promoting awareness of cultural diversity among children in schools.
- Training public and voluntary sector staff to spot the signs of hate when working in the community. This includes the 500 community support officers funded by the Welsh Government.
- Producing clear and direct information on how to report hate incidents and crimes in Wales.
- Making sure all agencies, from the police, councils and other public bodies are joined up to support and protect victims.
- Monitoring tensions in the community to tackle problems before they happen.
Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert said:
“Here in Wales we have a strong record of welcoming, stable communities where cultural differences are accepted and long may this continue.”
“Unfortunately, discrimination still exists, from bullying in schools and the workplace to verbal abuse and assault. The fact that some people live in constant fear of discrimination and harassment is both shocking and unacceptable. We want to send a very clear message that hostility and prejudice will not be tolerated in Wales and that we will work in partnership with all parts of society to tackle it.
“Central to this will be encouraging victims of hate crime to step forward and actually report what they have been through. There are many reasons why some do not turn for help and we will all we can to change that.
“We all have a collective responsibility to challenge inappropriate behaviour and negative attitudes to enable everyone to fulfil their potential and not live in fear.”
The Welsh Government is inviting people to give their views on the plans which will be out for consultation until the 18th October.
Related Links
Tackling Hate Crimes and Incidents: A Framework for Action
