Why Hate Crime Matters Why Hate Crime Matters

Why Hate Crime Matters?

Why Hate Crime Matters: Fiona and Frankie PILKINGTON Fiona Pilkington killed herself on 23 October 2007, after driving her car to a secluded area. Frankie her daughter, sat by her side as she doused the back seat in petrol and set the car ablaze. The tragic backstory behind Fiona’s suicide was reported in the national press. An investigation found Fiona and her family had been bullied and abused by local teenagers for more than a decade. Groups of up to 16 youths had pelted their home with stones, eggs and flour. The abuse was often targeted at Frankie, who had severe learning disabilities. Fiona specifically mentioned the gang in a suicide note: “The street kids[, ] well I have just given up, ” she wrote. “I am just not cut out to take this much harassment. ”

Hate Crime - How It Feels

• . Who can be a victim? Who can report? Anyone. . Anywhere

What is a Hate Crime? A Hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a person’s: 1. Race 2. Faith 3. Sexual orientation 4. Disability 5. Transgender Identity

What is a Hate incident? A hate incident is any non-crime incident which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on person’s; 1. Race 2. Faith 3. Sexual orientation 4. Disability 5. Transgender Identity

Disability- Includes physical, hearing and visual impairments, mental ill health and learning disabilities. Race- Nationality, ethnicity, skin colour and heritage. Faith- Includes religion, belief, including non-religious belief. Sexual Orientation- People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual. Gender Identity- People who identify as trans, including transgender or transsexual people.

The Law…. Sections 145 &146 Criminal Justice Act 2003 makes provisions for enhanced sentencing where a crime is motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity by up to 50%, upon application.

…so how does that work? 2 boys receive 4 years in prison for criminal damage. If it is proved that the crime had aggravating factors i. e. Racism, Homophobia etc. This could be increased to up to 6 years under CJA. 2003

Reporting via West Yorkshire Police How do I report a Hate Crime / Incident? A Hate Crime / Incident can be reported by: • call 999 in an emergency • call 101 for non-emergencies • for non-emergency hate incidents use our online hate crime reporting form • call in person at any police station (click here to find your nearest police station)

Other Ways to Report and Access Support • Bradford residents can contact Bradford Hate Crime Alliance - www. bradfordhatecrimealliance. org. uk • Attend any of the 31 independent Hate Crime Reporting Centres located in the community (locations on above website)

Hate Crime - How It Feels