Racial Hate Awarness and Prevention.

Racist attacks are against the law. Tackling racist incidents is of top priority for Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council.

What is a racist incident?

Following the recent Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, the Home Secretary announced a new definition of a racist incident.

"A racist incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person."

This definition has been adopted by many statutory agencies including the Police, Local Authorities and the Fire Service. Below are some of the examples of racial harassment directed at a person or their property, for reasons of race or colour:

Racist abuse - verbal or written threats or insults etc

Racially abusive behaviour - inciting others, spitting, taunting etc
Personal attacks on individuals, friends or relatives etc
Damage to property - arson, graffiti, damage to cars etc
Circulating racist material - badges, leaflets etc

How to report a racist incident:

If you are a victim of racial harassment or witness an incident you can report the matter immediately to your local police station or to one of our officers: Bhikhu, Danielle or Nafysa at Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council on 01772 885128.

You can also email us at:

d.sheldon@prestonrec.org.uk

nafysa@prestonrec.org.uk

What happens next?

When complaining to the local police, an investigation will be supervised by the local sub-division commander or person designated to deal with racial incidents and you will be kept informed on the progress of the enquiry. The police will work closely with other relevant agencies such as Housing, Education and Social Services.

If you have complained directly to Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council, then a designated officer from the Council will make the necessary investigations and liaise with the appropriate agencies. A visit to the complainant will be made if necessary. We can also arrange an informal appointment here at our offices where you can seek advice in private.

The objectives of Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council are:

To work towards the elimination of racial discrimination; and
To promote equality of opportunity and good relations, between persons of different racial groups within the area of benefit.

Much of the work that is conducted by Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council revolves around the promotion of equality and justice for disadvantaged communities. Therefore the agency is necessarily involved in social policy work, for example, providing race awareness training for local employers, advising organisations on Equal Opportunities, developing strategies to combat racial harassment, taking various actions to empower the community and to develop a more racially harmonious society.

RACE HATE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION.

It's not a race, let's finish it together.