"At a time when incidents of hate crime are rising, it's important that the most vulnerable members of our community know how to report it and where to get help. They deserve to be able to live in our country free from prejudice and know how to report it."
"The PCC said refugees and asylum seekers were often at greater risk of suffering harm but remained underrepresented in victim-support services due to language barriers, previous trauma, cultural stigma and uncertainty about services."
"These vulnerable people don't often trust the police and we need to make sure they are comfortable. The programme would help educate refugees and asylum seekers about reporting racism, harassment or any form of discrimination, but also about bringing perpetrators to justice."
Safe Steps is a two-year initiative funded by Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey's Protect and Support Fund with £14,868 to assist vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers on Teesside. Delivered by charity Open Door North East, the programme provides workshops and one-to-one support for people in Home Office-supported accommodation. It aims to educate participants about reporting hate crimes, discrimination, harassment, and racism while building trust with police services. Reported hate crime offences in the Cleveland Police area increased from 1,508 to 1,771 cases annually. Refugees and asylum seekers face barriers to victim support including language difficulties, trauma, cultural stigma, and service uncertainty, making them particularly vulnerable to harm.
Read at www.bbc.com
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