In 2017, Stonewall released their report on Hate Crime and Discrimination towards LGBTQ+ people in Britain. Their research revealed that one in five LGBTQ+ people had experienced a hate crime or hate-related incident within the previous twelve months. Those statistics went up to two in five if the victim involved was trans. Four out of five people who had experienced a hate crime or hate-related incident did not report it.
Brighton & Hove City Council has recognised these statistics and acted by funding three local organisations – the Racial Harassment Forum, Possability People, and us at the Rainbow Hub – to function as third-party reporting hubs. We can support people who have a historically complex and sometimes mistrustful relationship with police and other authorities.
What is a hate crime or hate incident?
A hate crime is defined as any criminal offence which is perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and/or transgender identity. At the Rainbow Hub, we are not only interested in reports of hate crimes but any hate-related incidents – these can include comments from people on the street, targeted graffiti (for instance, transphobic posters or stickers), hostility from co-workers or harassment from neighbours. We encourage you to report any incident you may experience to us.
What happens when I report?
When someone makes a report with the Rainbow Hub, they own that report and what happens to it. If they want their report to go to the authorities, we will ensure that happens. Often though, people just want to get the report out of their head. Having someone else help carry your story can reduce the weight of it.
We aim to ensure that reporting with us is safe. We operate with an ethos of listening to people, respecting them, and taking them seriously. There is no ‘low level’ of hate. As well as recording the report, we can signpost people to support services. At its simplest though, we hope that reporting to someone who is a member of the community, who may well have had a similar experience and can empathise, will help people feel less alone.
Where are you based?
We’re based at the Ledward Centre, 14a Jubilee Street, BN1 1GE.
What are your opening times?
We’re currently open Friday – Sunday from 11am – 4pm. This is when you can speak to us in person or by phone. You can send us an email at any point throughout the week and we will aim to get back to you within 48 hours.
How can I contact you?
You can find us at the Ledward Centre during the above opening times. Otherwise, our contact details are as follows:
Phone: 07714 782585
Email address: report@therainbowhubbrighton.com