A charity is to offer support to victims of hate crime in Gedling borough after recent statistics showed an 18% increase rise in offences recorded over the last year.
Government figures showed 52,528 hate crimes were recorded last year in England and Wales, up from 44,471 from the previous year.
Independent charity Victim Support operates a service to hate crime victims in Nottinghamshire, which offers emotional and practical support to help people who have experienced this type of crime.
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Support is free and confidential, and is available regardless of whether or not the hate crime has been reported to the police.
Nottinghamshire resident Andrew is in his early 50s and was the subject of hate crime from his neighbours, who would shout homophobic abuse at him.
After reporting the crime, a camera was installed in his flat by a community protection team. Sadly, this did not deter the hate crime and in another incident red paint was thrown over his front door.
Victim Support helped Andrew through his ordeal, by providing alarms for his flat, liaising with the council and police on his behalf and supporting his efforts to move house.
Andrew said: “My Victim Support case worker has helped me cope with what I’ve been going through, when no one else was there to support me. I’ve received a really good service and kept my faith in human nature.”
Olwen Edwards, manager for Victim Support in Nottinghamshire said: “Being targeted because of who you are or who someone thinks you are, can be extremely distressing and can have a long term effect on someone’s health and wellbeing. Hate crime is unacceptable and Victim Support is committed to helping anyone who experiences it, for as long as is needed.”
Anyone affected by hate crime can contact Victim Support for free and confidential help and information by calling the Nottinghamshire office on 0300 303 1967 or visiting www.victimsupport.org.uk.
