Online support sessions being trialled for victims of hate crime

Online support sessions will be available from next month for victims of hate crime to ‘drop-in’ virtually and seek advice from specialist officers.

The sessions run by the Victim Care and Advice Service(VCAS) will offer tailored support to those individuals across County Durham and Darlington that have been directly affected by a hate crime or hate crime incident.

These sessions will provide individuals with an opportunity to speak to either a Community Cohesion Officer or Victim Care Officer who can offer support and guidance on coping with hate crimes.

Hate Crime describes criminal behaviours committed against someone because of their disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or some other perceived difference.

It can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, bullying – both online and offline – and damage to property.

Appointments can now be booked through the Hate Hurts website and will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams. It is hoped in the future when it is safe to do so sessions will be held in person.

45-minute slots can be booked between 12pm -8pm on the following dates:

·       Thursday 22nd April

·       Thursday 20th May

·       Thursday 24th June

If successful, the sessions will expand and cover other areas of crime.

The Hate Hurts campaign promotes a zero-tolerance approach towards Hate Crime in County Durham and Darlington.

People who witness or are the victim of hate crime are encouraged to report the incident to the police as soon as possible.

VCAS is a commissioned service through funding from the Office of the Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner.

To book an appointment and speak to a Cohesion Officer about any hate crime issues please visit : https://www.hatehurts.co.uk/get-involved

To report hate crime, where you can access an online reporting form please visit : https://www.durham.police.uk/Report-It/Hate-crime/Hate-Crime.aspx

If you prefer to speak to someone, please dial 101, where someone will be able to help you. Always dial 999 when life is threatened or people are injured, or if there is a crime in progress or an immediate police response is necessary.

If you are a victim of crime or know someone who has been visit : https://victimcareandadviceservice.uk/  / 0303 040 1099

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