Sussex Police and the University of Sussex have been working together to make it easier for victims to report hate crime and get advice and support.
STUDENTS CAN now report incidents of hate crime via the ‘Hate Crime Hub’, which is situated on the Falmer campus, through Activities Officer Lyndsay Burtonshaw, Education Officer Bethan Hunt, Welfare Officer Rianna Gargiulo, Operations Officer Dan Greenberg and Student Voice Advocate Kathy O’Regan, who have received specialist training from Sussex Police’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Liaison Officer Rory Smith.
This provides an alternative option for students who are relectant to report direct to the police.
Rory Smith, LGBT Liaison Officer at Sussex Police, said: “I am delighted that we’ve been able to work with the University to provide another avenue through which victims of hate crime can make a report. Sadly many incidents of hate crime go unreported, sometimes because victims are unaware that an offence has taken place or are unsure of the action that police will take.
“If you or someone you know is experiencing hostility or prejudice because of your disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity this is hate crime. By reporting it to us directly, via the University or through True Vision, we can take action to support you and work towards bringing the offender to justice. Reports made to us also act as a deterrent for hate crime within our communities.”
Rianna Gargiulo, Welfare Officer for the Students’ Union, said: “I’m really grateful to Sussex Police for making this possible for us at Students’ Union. Hate crime is a disgusting problem that undoubtedly will affect some of our students in their time here at Sussex, and the impact of hate crime on the victim can be huge. By allowing our students to report these crimes here at the Students’ Union, they are able to come to an environment which feels familiar and safe, instead of feeling that they’ve got to go to the police. Once here, we can also provide them with the welfare support and signposting that they need.
“I want to encourage as many students as possible to come to us in these situations, even if they feel that the incident isn’t a ‘big enough deal’ to report.”
How to report hate crime:
• University of Sussex campus at the support and advocacy department of the Students’ Union
• Online to Sussex Police, click here:
• By calling Sussex Police on 101
• By visiting your local police station
• To True Vision on the following link: www.report-it.org.uk/your_police_force
You should always call 999 immediately if a crime is being committed now, the offender is still there or nearby, people are injured, being threatened or in danger.
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