Reporting racist incidents
The council believes that everyone who lives in, works in or visits the Vale has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to live without fear of discrimination.
Fortunately there is a very low crime rate in the Vale (including hate crime) but we want to ensure that if somebody experiences or sees a racist incident, they know how to report it.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a racist incident, it is important that you report it.
What is a racist incident?
‘A racist incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person’
Some forms of racial harassment, such as racist abuse, insults, assaults and threats are obvious to everyone. Other forms may be less obvious, for example damage to your property, children being bullied at school, malicious complaints against you and anti-social behaviour. Sometimes individuals can even be harassed because of their relationship(s) with people from different racial backgrounds.
You can report racist incidents by:
- Calling Thames Valley Police dialling 101 (24 hours a day)
- Reporting it anonymously to Crime Stoppers or call 0800 555 111
- Contacting Oxfordshire Equality and Human Rights Council on 01865 791891 (office hours)
- Calling 01235 520202 and ask to speak to the community safety team (office hours)
In an emergency, always dial 999. It is an emergency when a crime is being committed; there is a risk of injury, or a risk of serious damage to property.
Last reviewed: 26 - 07 - 2012