A safe, confidential service to support victims and challenge hate crime across the county.
Citizens Advice North Staffordshire has today announced the launch of Staffordshire’s first Third Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre, marking a significant step forward in supporting victims of hate crime and strengthening community safety across the county.
The new service provides a safe, confidential and independent way for people to report hate crimes and hate incidents, without having to go directly to the police. It is designed to support individuals who may feel anxious, vulnerable or unable to report incidents through traditional routes.
The service is open to anyone affected by hate crime and hate incidents motivated by race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or transgender identity.
Trained staff will listen, record incidents, offer emotional and practical support, and, where requested, help individuals to report matters to the police and access further specialist assistance, including from its specialist hate crime victim support service, Uniting Staffordshire Against Hate.
Sarah Heath, Head of Specialist Support, at Citizens Advice Staffordshire said:
“Hate crime can have a devastating impact on individuals and communities. Too often hate motivated crimes and incidents go unreported because people fear they won’t be believed or don’t know where to turn. The launch of Staffordshire’s first Third Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre is an important step in ensuring that everyone in Staffordshire has access to trusted, independent services where they can be heard, supported and empowered to report hate.”
The Third-Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre will also play a vital role in improving local understanding of hate crime trends, helping partner agencies develop more effective prevention and response strategies.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams commissions the Uniting Staffordshire Against Hate service, delivered by Citizens Advice North Staffordshire. He said: “Hate crime can take many forms, including physical attacks, damage to property, theft, offensive graffiti, threats, intimidation or bullying.
“Victims can often feel isolated and afraid, and it’s vital they get the specialist support they need. This new reporting centre provides an accessible, confidential way for them to seek help, and I would encourage anyone impacted by hate crime to report it.”
Residents of Staffordshire can report hate incidents in person, online, or with support from a CANS Adviser, whether the incident occurred recently or in the past. Reports can be made anonymously if preferred.
Reports can also be made by anyone who has witnessed a hate crime or incident.
Reports can be made:
- In person at one of CASN’s drop ins or outreach sessions across North Staffordshire.
- Online: canscharity.org.uk
- Call: 0330 0881 339
- Email: reachout@casns.org.uk
We encourages anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime or hate incident to come forward and use the service.