Charnwood Borough Council - Leading in Leicestershire

Discrimination or Harrassment

What is a Racist Incident?

Recommendation 12 of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report states that the definition of a racist incident should be:

"any incident which is perceived to be racist by
the victim or by any other person"

"This means that, if anyone says it is a
Racist Incident, then it is"

Racial harassment can occur in a number of ways for example:

• Unprovoked assaults including common assault; actual bodily harm; and grievous bodily harm
• Damage to property including; breaking windows, doors and fences and within the perimeter of the house
• The daubing of slogans and/or graffiti of slogans and/or graffiti of a racial nature within or in the proximity of the perimeter of the house concerned
• The insertion of rags, paper, rubbish and/or any material which can be and/or has been set alight through openings, or within the perimeter of the property concerned
• The insertion of excrement, eggs, paint, faeces, rubbish and/or other noxious and/or offensive substances through an opening in the house concerned or within its perimeter
• The sending of threatening and/or abusive telephone calls of a racial nature
• Verbal racial abuse
• Repeated vandalism of a property belonging to the person concerned or any member of his/her household
• Threatening and abusive behaviour including spitting
• Participation in any activity which is calculated to deter the person from occupying a particular property
• Attempted murder or murder

Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, Chapter 47, Recommendation 12). In his Action Plan on the Inquiry Report, the Home Secretary said that the Home Office would:

'ensure that the Inquiry's simplified definition of a racist incident is adopted by the police, local government and other relevant agencies.'

The Racist Incidents Standing Committee (RISC) which brings together policy units of the Home Office which have an interest in racist incidents with other departments and agencies have issued a Code of Practice which promulgates the Inquiry's definition for adoption by all relevant agencies.

This is to ensure that investigations take full account of the possibility of a racist dimension to the incident and that these incidents are universally collected. The term racist incident includes crimes and non-crimes.

Where can I Report Incidents

All racist incidents should be reported as soon as possible. Incidents can be reported by telephone, in person, in writing or by someone else if you feel uncomfortable.

The Police

If possible, report the racist incident to the Police either by:

• calling in at your nearest Police Station
• by dialling 0116 222 2222

Local Authority Housing Department

All Council tenants have signed a tenancy agreement not to let their family, their visitors nor themselves to commit Racial Harassment. If you are a Council tenant and have experienced Racial Harassment in or around your home, you should report it to your Housing Officer as soon as possible.

Tel. 01509 263151

Housing Associations

Like Council tenants, all Housing Association tenants have to agree not to cause themselves nor allow any of their visitors to take part in any Racial Harassment. If you do experience Racial Harassment, report it to them and they will deal with it.

Schools

All Schools are required to have policies to deal with Racist Incidents that are related with the School. All incidents have to be recorded, monitored and evaluated. If your child or you see any other child being abused, you should report it as soon as possible to the School.

Human Rights & Equalities Charnwood (HREC)

Human Rights & Equalities Charnwood(HREC) is able to offer support to victims of Racial Harassment in different languages. They can act as representative of victims if the incident goes to court. If you have experienced Racial Harassment and have difficulty reporting the incident due to language or feel uncomfortable, report the incident to the HREC as soon as possible.

Tel. 01509 261651 email: info@humanrightsandequalitiescharnwood.org

Charnwood Victim Support

Charnwood Victim Support has trained staffs who are able to provide support to anyone who has experienced Racial Harassment. They are able to advise you on appropriate course of action and support you through the process.

Tel. 01509 268545

What to do if you have been the victim of Racial Harassment

Victims of racist harassment have said that coping with the feelings it produces can be hard to handle. Knowing what to do and what can be done on your behalf may help. If an incident occurs:

• Report it
• Make sure the police know you believe it to be a racist incident - tell them
• Make sure you get the name and number of the officer you speak to. This helps you if you want to contact the officer again and if you need to talk to other agencies
• Keep a record of what the police do and tell you as the case progresses
• Make sure you are given a crime number (this may not be available immediately, officers may have to give you this at a later date)
• Don't touch anything, which might be used as evidence, eg weapons, clothes, letters, leaflets etc. The police may be able to use this in your case
• Keep a record of the incidents(s). Include every detail you can remember eg date, time, place, description of offenders, actual words used and how it affected you (injuries, frightened etc). A desk diary is ideal for this. This will help when you make a statement rather than having to remember all the details at a later date
• Have photographs taken of anything that shows what has happened eg damage to property, graffiti etc
• If there are any witnesses, get their names and addresses. Ask them to write down what they saw and heard and sign it
• If anyone is injured, make sure they see a doctor or visit a hospital. Get visible injuries photographed
• Keep a record of any expenses (fares to hospital, loss of earnings etc). Claims for compensation can be made at court