Stop and Tell campaign starts giving people a voice

By Camilla Goodman

HATE crime is being tackled by Blaby District Council with the aim to encourage victims to report attacks.

The new Stop and Tell campaign that ran at the end of January has already seen an increase in the amount of people reporting hate crime to the authorities.

A hate incident can be physical, verbal or written abuse targeted at people because they are seen as different, for example because of their race, age or sexual orientation.

Councillor for Blaby District Council, Ted Webster-Williams, said: “It is important that anyone living, working or visiting the district can go about their business without being harassed or targeted.”

A spokeswoman for the Hate Crime Monitor Project said: “We have seen an increase in the number of online reports received.

“However, even though the campaign has finished the district is still encouraging people to report any incidents.”

The campaign which ran from January 23-29 hosted a series of events over the week at community groups, schools and libraries where Council officers advised people what they should do if they are being victimised.

To coincide with the campaign Blaby District Council have also launched a new anti-social behaviour and hate crime helpline to encourage victims to come forward and report incidents that are affecting their lives.

Cllr Webster-Williams said: “This helpline will allow us to investigate any reports of hate incidents that take place within the council’s borders and deal with any perpetrators.”

To report an incident contact the new helpline on 0116 272 7677, the Hate Monitor Project on 0116 305 8263 or log onto www.leics.gov.uk/reporthate.

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