Sussex Police takes a stand against hate crime

He is speaking out this week as part of Hate Crime Awareness week, which encourages people to report and highlight hate crime incidents.

“I understand that it may be difficult for people to recognise when they have been a victim of hate,” Inspector Starns said. “If you have been subjected to behaviour that makes you feel scared, threatened or offended and you were targeted because of who you are, like your disability, race, sexual orientation, faith, please tell us.

“I know it takes courage to report hate. Sometimes people are worried that the police ‘have better things to do’ or are afraid they won’t be believed. We will record such incidents and treat your concerns seriously.”

As part of the national awareness week, which runs from October 14 to 21, Sussex Police will be use Facebook and Twitter to raise awareness of hate crime, to help give knowledge and confidence to victims to report to the police, using the hashtags #HCAW and #NoPlaceForHate.

Police will also share real life experiences of victims of hate crime to help increase public confidence.

Connie from Brighton has spoken out about a transphobic assault she suffered at the hands of a man in St James’s Street, Brighton in February this year.

Connie said: “No-one has the right to attack you because you are trans, gay or of a different race. People who do this should be held liable for their actions and dealt with accordingly.

“I really appreciate the support offered by the caring people who stopped to help me. If they had not stopped, I feel the situation could have escalated.

“I did not have to go to court as my attacker pleaded guilty. I would have gone to court if I had to, because I think it is important to look him in the eye when giving details of what he did to me. I know I could have had the protection of a screen, which would benefit some people, but I would have wanted to look him in the eye.

“I would encourage everyone in the same position to report hate crime. People should never feel they can’t speak out. I feel that speaking out helps to raise these issues in society and that increased knowledge will prevent future incidents.”

Sussex Police said Philip Poole, 41, of Shirley Street, Hove pleaded guilty to common assault and intentional harassment, alarm and distress when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 26. Poole, a cleaner admitted verbally abusing a transgender woman, before punching her and pulling her hair following an incident in St James’s Street, Brighton at 12.30am on Saturday, February 11 this year, police said.

He was given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 25 days, as well as having to pay £255 compensation to the victim, costs of £45 and a victim surcharge of £115.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Protecting our vulnerable and helping victims cope and recover from crime and abuse is one of the four main priorities in my Police and Crime Plan, which sets out the strategic policing direction for our county.

“If anyone feels targeted because of a particular characteristic then the police want to know about it, even if it falls outside the five defined categories for hate crime.

“You can also find support online at Safe:Space Sussex, a directory of local specialist services to help people find all the information they need.”

Hate crime can be reported to Sussex Police by calling 101, 01273 470101, or 999 in an emergency.

People can also report incidents online, by completing the short form.

Residents who are hard of hearing or speech-impaired can text 65999 or TypeTalk on 18000.

Incidents can also be reported via True Vision – a national website owned by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and many other organisations and support groups across Sussex.