New hate crime support system in Cheshire

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, has commissioned a new service for victims of hate crime in the county to reflect the 20% increase in incidents reported over the past year.

Remedi, a charity already commissioned in Cheshire to deliver Restorative Justice (RJ) support to victims, has been tasked with speaking to people who have reported a hate crime incident and guiding them through the process. Victims are already being referred to Remedi and are benefiting from the tailored advice and support on offer.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “Hate crime is abhorrent and I want to drive it out of Cheshire. Nobody should be a target of crime just because of who they are.

“Victims of hate crime should know that Cheshire Constabulary and I are determined to support them throughout the justice process.”

Remedi receives daily information on hate crimes that are reported and staff aim to speak to victims the next day, reflecting the increased importance of tackling this type of crime in Cheshire. The service that Remedi offers is also available to victims of Hate Crime who do not wish to report the incident. With its specialism in RJ, Remedi is also able to bring victims and perpetrators together to resolve conflict and prevent further offending.

Michelle Bailey, Remedi Cheshire RJ and Hate Crime Victim Service Manager said: “We recognise how important it is to contact victims of Hate Crime at the earliest opportunity, and this is what we aim to do at the start of our support. Our trained specialist practitioners will then provide emotional and practical support to help victims cope and recover and reduce their fear.

“Remedi has 25 years of experience working with victims of all crime types but tackling Hate Crime is extremely important to us, and we are very pleased to be providing this bespoke service and working in partnership with Cheshire Police to ensure we provide an enhanced service to these victims. The service is also available to those who do not wish to go through the criminal justice process.”

“Victims can self-refer, or partner agencies can refer to us by emailing: hatecrimevictimservices@remediuk.org or calling free on 0800 640 6466.”

John Dwyer added: “Hate crime at its very core comes from a fundamental lack of understanding about our differences as human beings.

“RJ is a great process for seeking justice for hate crime in particular because it gives victims the chance to explain how hate crime has affected them, and it gives offenders a chance to see why their behaviour is wrong and to change for the better.

Chief Inspector Jez Taylor said: “This is an excellent opportunity to ensure those that have been victim of this awful crime have the support they need swiftly. I welcome the opportunity to work with Remedi moving forwards.”