EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO REPORT CRIME

The latest Blog from our Crime Commissioner

Hate Crime & Modern Slavery

Some types of crime are under reported across the country. This could be for a number of reasons such as the victim not feeling comfortable, because the offender focussed on a disability, race, religion sexual orientation or gender identity. Others may not even realise that what they're experiencing is a crime and they are trapped in a situation they can't see a way out of.

The police and other organisations can work together to raise awareness of crimes, such as modern slavery and hate crime so that victims can see a way to take action and find the support they need.

Throughout the year there are various National and International campaigns to help raise awareness of various crimes. This week was Hate Crime Awareness Week (11-18 Oct) and Saturday (18 Oct) was Anti-Slavery Day.

Due to the nature of these crimes, the police and other agencies are only aware of the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the scale of the problem. I want to continue to raise awareness of these abhorrent crimes, so that victims and witnesses have the confidence and courage to come forward. The Constabulary takes these crimes seriously and there is support for people who have been subject to prejudice or abusive behaviour. People can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers.

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I received money from the Ministry of Justice, and I was going to invest £60,000 in services to help victims of hate crime. All the bids for the money were received on the 29 September, and this week service providers have been interviewed to see how their service can benefit people not only in the immediate local communities, but how they can collaborate with other providers to ensure their service is accessible to people across the whole county. It was fantastic to see that all the bids we received, and the organisations we interviewed addressed prejudice based on all of the protected characteristics (race/ethnic origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability), and I'm looking forward to ensuring that the correct advice and support is available for those that need it at the right time.

Next month, I'm holding a Hate Crime Network Event, which will bring service providers who have a vested interest in supporting victims in Cheshire under one roof. I hope that together we can empower people to report crimes against them knowing that they will be dealt with sensitively and appropriately.

For the full Blog click here