020 8879 6333
This year, Generate Voices have been campaigning for more awareness of Hate Crime in the community, as a part of our campaign strategy, we’ve been talking to different charities across England including Stop Hate UK and Crimestoppers as well as deciding to do more training/workshops so the knowledge can stay with them and to be more confident in helping spread awareness of Hate Crime!
At one of our most recent sessions, we were joined by Natalia from S.A.R.I (Stand Against Racism and Inequality) who spoke to the members about Race, Disabled and Homophobic related Hate Crime.
S.A.R.I is a charity based in Somerset who support victims of Hate Crime in their community when reporting to the police, their service is client led and centered around supporting other charities and organizations in the area working in ways similar to other charities.
(Despite S.A.R.I not usually working in the London area, Natalia was more than happy to come to a Generate Voices session to speak to the members)
Natalia spoke about what Hate Crimes, Mate Crimes and Hate Incidents are, protected characteristics which include Disabilities, Age, Race and Gender and the importance of reporting all crimes, no matter if it’s a big or small incident!
She then explained the different settings these can occur and the importance of looking out for people in these situations.
She advised members on the many different ways of reporting these crimes as well as the dangers that can be involved.
Reporting is always the best option and keeps others in the community safe! People can call 101 (999 if it’s an emergency) or report a crime online.
Members have already gained a good knowledge of Hate Crime and were confident enough to share their own experiences of Hate Crime with Natalia while also asking her questions.
Nic asked “If someone doesn’t want you to report a crime, can you still report it?” Natalia replied that while any serious crime should be reported, it should be discussed with the victim if this would put them in any danger.
Nic also asked “Do police always take incidents seriously?” Natalia replied that the police take most cases seriously as long as they have the evidence to do so.
Members took this time to share their thoughts on how Hate Crime is viewed in the learning disability community, expressing their concerns and how they felt that it’s not valued or listened to enough.
Terry said “Hate Crime happens all the time and people with learning disabilities can be targeted at times.”
Jodian said “There is a lack of communication”
Luis added “It’s important to have and activate a Panic Alarm if you are a victim of Hate Crime”
Panic Alarms are great to use if you feel comfortable and safe.
Generate Voices thanks Natalia for taking the time to speak to us, we all agreed that it’s very important to report any crime you see and that it should always be taken seriously.
Generate Voices will continue to campaign on better Hate Crime Awareness by using social media and blogs to share our views and reaching out to charities and organizations across England!
Also, it’s great to know that our member’s fantastic work is not going unrecognized!….Click on the link below to see what CrimeStoppers had to say after they presented at a recent GENERATE Voices Online session:
If you’re interested in Generate Voices and the campaign work that we’re doing, please do contact the Generate Voices Coordinators, Chiz and Tony!
020 8879 6333
