A new helpline for people to report incidents of hate crime has been launched by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
The multi-strand, confidential helpline is among the first in Wales. It will act as a valuable channel for the council, working closely with local equality organisations and South Wales Police, to identify and tackle incidents.
A hate crime is classified as either a physical or verbal attack motivated by the victim’s race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
To mark the launch, local organisations including Stonewall Cymru, Show Racism the Red Card, South Wales Police, Cardiff & Vale Coalition of Disabled People, Race Equality First, Atal y Fro and the Vale Centre for Voluntary Services joined council officers, members and Vale Mayor Cllr Emlyn Williams at the Mayor’s Parlour.
Council leader Cllr Gordon Kemp said: “Even though more hate crime incidents are being reported in our area, there’s still a long way to go. This helpline will provide a valuable method of communication for all of those affected by this type of crime and we will hopefully see a further rise in incidents being reported, and tackled successfully, as a result.”
Supported by a ‘report a hate crime’ function available on the council’s website, the new helpline will allow victims, or those who are witness to a crime, to report details to the council. The service is entirely confidential and callers have the option to remain anonymous.
Alicja Zalesinska, of Race Equality First, said: “It’s very important that helplines like this exist, especially for those who are afraid to speak up if not encouraged, so that there’s always someone out there to help.
“Even the most minor of incidents can escalate so we need to treat all reports of hate crime seriously.”
Robert Goddard, of Stonewall Cymru, agreed: “This is a really important initiative and this launch shows the Vale’s commitment to dealing with the issue of hate crime – that it’s being taken seriously and dealt with seriously.”
Vale Council cabinet member for human resources and equalities Cllr Janice Charles was sure the helpline would have a positive impact on the area.
She said: “I’m very proud that the Vale Council has become a leading light in Wales by introducing this scheme and promoting the message that hate crime should not be ignored. We hope that we can get this message across to all ages, and go some way towards making life in the Vale equal for everybody.”
If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of a hate crime, please make sure it’s reported. Call 01446 700111
