Hate Crime

West Oxfordshire is a rural district and the population is predominantly white however incidents involving minority groups do occur and need to be addressed.

ETHNIC GROUP	% OF POPULATION IN WEST OXFORDSHIRE
White	98.4
Mixed	0.7
Asian	0.4
Black	0.2
Chinese/Other	0.4

(2001 Census)

Hate crime is any crime motivated by hate towards a particular group. The crime/incidents may be motivated by race, homophobia, religion or disability to name but a few.

The West Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership takes hate crime very seriously and identifies it as a priority in the Community Safety Strategy 2005-2008. The Partnership works closely with local agencies to improve support and services for victims of hate crime within the district.

What is a racist incident?

West Oxfordshire District Council defines a racist incident as any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person (Recommendation 12, MacPherson Report 2000).

What is a homophobic incident?

West Oxfordshire District Council defines a homophobic incident as any incident which is perceived to be homophobic by the victim or any other person.

Types of Racial/Homophobic Incidents

Hate crime/incidents cover a wide range of behaviour, below are some examples:

Arson
Assaults
Criminal Damage
Offensive behaviour i.e. swearing
Harassment
Stalking
Threats

REPORTING HATE CRIME

Why report a Hate Crime?

Racially and homophobic aggravated offences are crimes and should be treated as so.
As a victim of hate crime you have a right to be protected.
The information you provide may help the Police in the arrest of offenders
Left unreported, the offenders are free to commit similar crimes

How can I report Hate Crime?

As a local authority, incidents of hate crime can be reported to West Oxfordshire District Council as well as the Police. Please note that all information reported to West Oxfordshire District Council or Thames Valley Police will be treated confidentially.

Alternatively you can report incidents of hate crime to:

999 in an Emergency

0845 8 505 505 - Thames Valley Police Control Room

01993 861633 - West Oxfordshire District Council Community Safety Section

01993 705691 - Citizens Advice Bureau, 33a High Street, Witney, Oxon

Useful contacts/information

Citizens Advice Bureau - Chipping Norton: 01608 641367 or Witney: 01993 705691

Commission for Racial Equality

HALT (Homophobia Awareness Liaison Team) - Tel: 01865 243389

Oxfordshire Race Equality Council, Old Courts House, Floyds Row, Oxford Tel: 01865 815239

Northern Oxfordshire Victim Support - 01295 277990