As partners mark Hate Crime Awareness Week, Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Police are collaborating on ‘Operation Hail’. This initiative aims to raise awareness of hate crime and its significant impact on individuals, families, and communities.
As part of the campaign, officers will engage with businesses and employers to provide information on recognising hate crime, supporting victims, and preserving crucial evidence that could aid investigations. Hate crime can manifest in various settings, including the workplace, and is often motivated by prejudice related to race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or transgender identity.
The campaign underscores the vital role employers can fulfil in ensuring staff feel supported when experiencing hate-related abuse, intimidation, or harassment. Businesses are urged to cultivate an environment where incidents are reported, taken seriously, and addressed appropriately.
“"Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued, whether they are at work, at home or in their local community. Hate crime can have a lasting impact on victims and can affect people's confidence, wellbeing and sense of safety or belonging. Employers are often amongst the first people a victim may turn to for support, and a positive response can make a real difference. By encouraging reporting, supporting affected staff and helping preserve evidence, businesses can play an important role in ensuring victims receive the help they need and assisting agencies take action against those responsible. Hate crime has no place in our communities, and by working together we can help build safer, stronger and more inclusive places for everyone."
Businesses are being encouraged to promote a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusion by taking several key actions. These include encouraging staff to report hate crime and incidents, taking all reports seriously, providing appropriate support, and preserving evidence such as CCTV footage, emails, messages, and witness details. Ensuring staff know where to access help and advice is also paramount.
Individuals who experience or witness hate crime are urged to report it to Cumbria Police by calling 101 or via their website. In emergencies, 999 should always be dialled. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Operation Hail in Westmorland and Furness is part of ongoing partnership efforts to enhance awareness, improve reporting mechanisms, and ensure victims of hate crime receive necessary support.
