Wales leads the way on tackling hate crime

A new national centre where victims of hate crime will be able to report hostility and prejudice and get the support they need has been announced this week by the Welsh Government.

Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Jeff Cuthbert, made the announcement at the launch of the Welsh Government’s Tackling Hate Crimes and Incidents – A Framework for Action.

The Framework covers hate crime of all kinds including race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and age. Age was added following a consultation in which we engaged with more than 400 people. They strongly highlighted how both older people and children and young people are experiencing and being targeted for hate crime. The Framework also includes tackling cyber and far right hate.

The Framework has three main aims: to prevent hate crime, provide support to victims and improve the multi-agency response. By highlighting hate crime and setting up the support centre, the Welsh Government expects to see an increase in reported cases. In Wales in 2012-13 there were 1,810 reported incidents of hate crime.

In addition to the £488,000 funding for a Victim Support reporting centre, the Framework also sets out an 8-point delivery plan which will be updated annually to show what progress is being made. Later this year, the Minister will set up a new Independent Advisory Group to help deliver the Framework and provide further advice and information.

Victims of hate crime can contact the Victim Support Helpline: 08456 121 900 or by visiting the web site: www.reporthate.victimsupport.org.uk.