Verbal presentation by Zaimal Azad, Hate Crime Project Officer
Minutes:
Zaimal Azad, Hate Crime Project Officer, Community Cohesion, was in attendance to promote a better understanding of what hate crime is and to raise awareness.
(a) Zaimal explained that the definition of hate crime is a verbal, physical or psychological attack or abuse focused on, or including focus on, a personal characteristic of an individual or group which that individual or group finds hurtful. Personal characteristics include but are not limited to race, colour, religion, sex, sexuality, age, disability, and size.
(b) There are several misconceptions about hate crime in that it does not necessarily have to involve a ‘crime’ in the conventional understanding, but that it is motivated by prejudice and focuses on any element of an individual’s identity.
(c) As the definition of hate crime is often misunderstood, it is often not acknowledged and rarely reported to the Police, even though it can have a significant impact on a person’s wellbeing and lifestyle.
(d) It’s vital that the message is spread and embraced that there is no place for prejudice and hate crime in our communities.
(e) Nottingham has a fairly good community cohesion reputation compared to some other large cities, but it is important to promptly address any emerging issues;
(f) As hate crime has a perception based definition, if the reporter feels that it is a hate crime, the Police will record it as such, investigate and try to determine if there is any motivation by prejudice of identity. It is very difficult to navigate but it’s important that the impact on the victims of hate crime is recognised as it can negatively impact on quality of life and health;
(g) If a person doesn’t feel hurt by an action or abuse then it’s fine for them to walk away. However, when it hurts, that’s when it’s a hate crime;
(h) Hate crime can be reported to the police either over the phone via the non-emergency phone number 101, or 999 if you feel at immediate risk. There is also an online form available at ‘True Vision’ (with the option for anonymity) at http://www.report-it.org.uk/your_police_force, or by visiting your local police station;
(i) Prejudices need to be tackled and challenged and reporting of hate crime encouraged. To help communities properly understand and recognise that prejudices exist, Zaimal would welcome the opportunity to attend community meetings and events and have discussions about hate crime. Particularly during Hate Crime Awareness Week 15-22 October 2018. For further information or to make an invitation, please contact Zaimal Azad by email at:, zaimal.azad@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or by telephone on 07526173833;
Comments from the Committee included:
(j) Although there were some isolated incidents during the Brexit campaigns, Nottingham as a community has come a long way since the disturbances and riots of the 1980s;
(k) Bulwell is a mixed community, quite accepting of strangers and overall has good community cohesion;
(l) Where prejudice issues have arisen in the past, there have been concerted efforts to engage, educate and address the issues, particularly with young people. Local schools continue to promote community cohesion which is having a longer term benefit;
(m) There doesn’t appear to be any significant extremist groups in the area but there are underlying tensions and issues around prejudice so it’s important to continue to the existing work but also work with community groups to broaden the understanding and help re-inforce that prejudice and hate crime are neither socially nor culturally acceptable;
(n) Hate is closely linked to fear and people are often afraid of what they don’t know or understand;
(o) People aren’t perfect, we all, from every walk of life make assumptions and may have unrecognised prejudices but we need to recognise them;
(p) Care needs to be taken that all abuse isn’t classed as hate crime. It’s often about the way something is said. When there’s venom and malice intent then there’s the intention to hurt;
(q) We need to promote a culture that embraces respect;
(r) Sometimes things said aren’t meant in the way that they are perceived, even if said in jest, but we are all responsible for what we say, and it should not be excused by generation, age or culture;
(s) Awareness needs to be raised, particularly to those who are experiencing and suffering from hate crime without realising and appreciating that there is support to address it;
(t) It’s really important that there’s more discussion within the community about hate crime and today’s discussion has been enlightening and valuable.
RESOLVED to record the Committee’s thanks to Zaimal for her attendance and presentation.