"The multi-agency forum changed its name from Trent Valley Harassment Forum (TVHF) to Partnership Against Crimes of Hate (PACH) in 2005 to be more inclusive. The cause of different treatment in most cases can be linked to prejudice, stereotyping and hate. The forum meets quarterly to consider trends and hot spots for hate crimes. In 2004 the partnership dealt with 254 incidents in South East Staffordshire. This figure represents a 25% increase on 2003 figures. Neighbour disputes, Employment and service discrimination remain high. The forum is committed to provide help and support to all victims of hate crime and I would encourage all victims of hate crime to report the incident however minor. There is no need to suffer in silence or isolation; help is available at all times.

Steve Hopkins, Chair - PACH

 

What are Hate Crimes?

A Hate Crime can be defined as: Any Hate incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.
(Source: Association of Chief Police Officers)

All incidents, whether or not they are crimes, have to be investigated fully. Hate crimes are suffered by people, usually in silence, because of other peoples attitudes and behaviour towards an individual due to their skin colour, nationality, religion/ ethnic origin, gender, disability or sexual orientation.

A Hate Incident can be defined as: Any incident which may or may not constitute a criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.
(Source: Association of Chief Police Officers)

These incidents can take the form of assault, verbal or written abuse, damage to property and threats. The forum can investigate incidents involving neighbour disputes, unfair dismissals and any incident motivated by hate. Hate incidents can take many guises, but people may not realise they can be investigated and positive outcomes reached.

DISCRIMINATORY BEHAVIOUR SHOULD NEVER BE TOLERATED

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What is PACH?

ESREC and Burton Police identified the need for agencies to work together to tackle problems of racial harassment and other hate crimes. This led to the formation of Partners Against Crimes of Hate (PACH). PACH is a forum of various organisations who work together to tackle the problem of hate crime in East Staffordshire, Lichfield and Tamworth. The purpose of PACH is to encourage reporting of hate crimes and provide advice and support to the victims. All criminal justice agencies and other key organisations are involved in the forum and together they provide a united front. PACH is committed to responding pro-actively to hate incidents and work towards a fairer and tolerant society.

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What Should You Do?

If you are being harassed or treated differently because of your colour, nationality, religion/ ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability or gender you should report it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to any of the reporting or referral centres listed below.

In an emergency dial 999. Try to remember as much as possible about the incident - were there any witnesses? What did those responsible look like? The police also suggest you should not clear up any evidence of the attack. With this evidence it may be possible to prosecute offenders.

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How to Report an Incident

You can report any incident by contacting:

• One of the referral/ reporting centres listed below

• PACH directly on 01283 510456 or email: administration@eaststaffsrec.co.uk

• Staffordshire Police on 08453 302010

• The website www.report-it.org.uk and completing the on-line True Vision self reporting form.

It is important to report incidents even if you do not want any investigation to be undertaken. We will respect your wishes.

ACT NOW AND REPORT IT!

To obtain free help and advice contact any of the following organisations. Our service is confidential and free.

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Referral and Reporting Centres

Burton College

Howard Brierley  01283 494470

howard.brierley@burton-college.ac.uk

 

Burton Hospitals NHS Trust

Geoff Neild  01283 511511 x 5739

geoff.neild@burtonh-tr.wmids.nhs.uk

 

Crown Prosecution Service

Vivienne Starkie  01785 272250

viv.starkie@cps.gsi.gov.uk

   01785 272250

 

East Staffordshire Borough Council

Angela Johnson  01283 508771

angela.johnson@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk

 

East Staffordshire Racial Equality Council

 Amir Kabal  01283 510456

administration@eaststaffsrec.co.uk

   Ethnic Minority Achievement Unit
    Roland Clark 01283 239064
    roland.clark@staffordshire.gov.uk

     Lichfield District Council
    Chris Stanley  01543 308737
    chris.stanley@lichfielddc.gov.uk

 

Mesmen (Homophobic Incidents)

Andy Cave

01543 411413

andy@mesmen.co.uk
 

Orbit Housing Association

Andrew Edwards  08458 500 500

elaine.johnston@orbit.org.uk
 

Primary Care Trust

Riaz Ravat  01283 507100

riaz.ravat@es-pct.nhs.uk

 

Social Services

Anne Chester-Walsh   01283 239611

anne.chester.walsh@staffordshire.gov.uk

 

Staffordshire County Council

Clare Gough  01785 276841

clare.gough@staffordshire.gov.uk

 

Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service

Tim Hyde 01785 898509

t.hyde@staffordshirefire.gov.uk

 

Staffordshire Police

PC Paul Faruup  01785 235936

paul.faruup@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk

 

Staffordshire Probation Service

Judith Shaw  01283 564988

judith.shaw@staffordshire.probation.

gsx.gov.uk

 

Staffordshire Youth Offending Service

Simon Woollett 01543 512101

Simon.woollett@staffordshire.gov.uk

 

Tamworth Borough Council

Dave Fern  01827 709589

david-fern@tamworth.gov.uk

 

Trent and Dove Housing

Sarah Day  01283 528630

sarah.day@trentanddove.org

 

 

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