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Dedicated helpline for hate crime victims (NCC and Notts police release)

A new and independent 24 hour support helpline for Nottingham was officially launched on Tuesday 30th November.

Stop Hate UK are committed to helping people across the city and county who may have been affected by hate crime.

Supported by the City Council, Safer Nottinghamshire Board, and Nottinghamshire Police, the confidential helpline will be staffed by highly skilled call takers with real life experience of hate crime, trained to give advice, support and guidance to victims and witnesses.

A hate crime is any form of verbal or physical abuse that is motivated by sexual orientation, gender, disability, religion or ethnicity.

Hassan Ahmed, City Council portfolio holder for employment skills and community cohesion said:

This new service is a crucial part of our partnership commitment to increase the reporting of hate crimes in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. This service will also provide us with a quarterly report which will allow us to work together to tackle issues and raise awareness of hate crime. We are pleased to be able to bring this expertise to Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

The helpline is in addition to the traditional reporting lines of the Nottinghamshire Police non-emergency number - 0300 300 99 99 and Community Protection's anti-social behaviour helpline - 0115 9152020.

Deputy Chief Constable Chris Eyre said:

We take hate crime very seriously within Nottinghamshire and want victims to have the confidence to report it knowing we will do something about it. People should not have to suffer in silence. This new helpline gives people an alternative 24-hour service to get advice and support. It has worked well in Leeds, Derby and Liverpool at raising awareness and reassuring communities experiencing prejudice that it will be dealt with effectively. We want Nottinghamshire to be a safe and inclusive place for everyone.

If you are experiencing what you feel to be hate crime, please call Stop Hate UK: 0800 138 1625.

(Wednesday 8 Dec 09:00:00 GMT)

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