Businesses across Westmorland and Furness are being encouraged to help tackle hate crime by supporting staff, promoting reporting routes and helping create safe and inclusive workplaces.
The call comes as partners mark Hate Crime Awareness Week, with Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Police working together on ‘Operation Hail’ to raise awareness of hate crime and the impact it can have on individuals, families and communities.
As part of the campaign, officers will be visiting businesses and employers to share information about recognising hate crime, supporting victims and preserving evidence that could assist investigations.
Hate crime can occur in many settings, including the workplace, and may be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person's race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.
The campaign highlights the important role employers can play in ensuring staff feel supported if they experience hate-related abuse, intimidation or harassment. Businesses are being encouraged to create a culture where incidents are reported, taken seriously and acted upon appropriately.
Cllr Judith Derbyshire, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:
"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:
- Encourage staff to report hate crime and hate incidents.
- Take all reports seriously and provide appropriate support.
- Preserve evidence such as CCTV footage, emails, messages and witness details.
- Ensure staff know where to access help and advice.
- Promote a workplace culture based on respect, dignity and inclusion.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses hate crime is encouraged to report it to Cumbria Police by calling 101 or via the Cumbria Police website. In an emergency, always dial 999. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Operation Hail in Westmorland and Furness forms part of ongoing partnership work to increase awareness, improve reporting and ensure that victims of hate crime receive the support they need.