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Hate Crime

Somerset Police are committed to dealing with any reports of Hate Crime sensitively taking positive action when appropriate. We want the community to flourish free from crime and the fear of it and we know that Hate Crime in its many forms can have a devastating effect on the lives of those who suffer such prejudice.
Because of this it is vital that we encourage reporting of incidents and to achieve this we must have the trust and support of the community. We will work hard to gain this. There are several other agencies that can help victims of hate crime in Somerset and their details are enclosed in this document.
This section is aimed at those who are experiencing or know someone who is being subjected to harassment, hatred or abuse because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or because of someone’s perceived prejudice against such groups.
This section provides information about:


We hope that you find the information useful to you. We also hope that by giving people the opportunity to report incidents more easily we will be able to gain a better understanding of the way that incidents affect people.

By reporting incidents you are helping us to help you. Even if you do not want any further action to be taken, we need to know so that we can find the best way to help you and other people who suffer from such hate and prejudice.

What is Hate Crime?
“Any incident committed against a person or property that is motivated by the offender's hatred or dislike of a person or group of people because of their race, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation.”
All types of incident - not just crime - if based upon prejudice should be reported.

What happens when you report an incident?
After you make a complaint, the police officer dealing will investigate that complaint and undertake the following:


Following any interview by the Police where there appears to be sufficient evidence to justify a charge being brought, the case will be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service who will ultimately decide on whether the offender is prosecuted or not. That decision is final.

When an offender is charged they will normally be released on bail to attend a future Court date and if this is done, bail conditions can be placed on the offender. The case will be “red tagged” to ensure that you are advised immediately if that offender is released and of any changes in bail conditions. You may be required to attend Court, together with any witnesses, to give your evidence. If this is necessary, help, support and information will be provided.

Partnership Against Hate Crime(PAHC)
The Diversity Co- ordinator will refer cases where the victim consents (disclosure permission) to Victim Support and other relevant agencies. In racial cases SREC will then contact the victim to offer support. SAIN are the responsible agency for disability and Somerset Gay Health for homophobic crimes.
The Partnership Against Hate Crime is a multi-agency forum that holds casework meetings in both Mendip and South Somerset areas approximately every six weeks. Cases are reviewed in order to ensure that all agencies are working together to best support victims of hate crimes and deal with offenders robustly. A Strategic Partnership Against Hate Crime meets approximately every 12 weeks to look at issues raised at casework meetings and to provide a strategic overview to Hate Crimes across Mendip and South Somerset.

Advice to Parents
If your child is subject to harassment you may wish to consider the following:


If the suspect(s) attend the same school as your child it is important that the school are advised in order for them to monitor and intervene, as they feel appropriate. You or a third party, such as the Police or Somerset Racial Equality Council can do this for you, but only if you authorise disclosure.

How you can report incidents in the future:
In an emergency you can dial 999 for the emergency services

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