ECC – Hate crime survey launched in Essex

Research is being carried out in Essex to better understand hate crime in the county with an online survey launching today, Wednesday 17 January.

The research is being led by the Strategic Hate Crime Partnership (SCHPP) and findings will set the focus and direction for the group going forward.

The Strategic Hate Crime Prevention Partnership (SHCPP) brings together voluntary, statutory and council bodies that work to raise reporting of hate crime and deliver preventative measures.

It is made up of partners including Essex County Council, Thurrock Council, Southend Council, Essex Police and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex.

The partnership is looking for the views of people in the county about their own experiences and concerns about hate crime, including online hate.

Residents who might not have experienced hate crime are also invited to share their views.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Communities and Business Engagement at Essex County Council, Councillor Louise McKinlay said: “Hate crime has no place in our county and we, along with our partners have the shared goal of eliminating it for good.

“We need to hear from people in the county to learn about their experiences. We want to know how they perceive hate crime, any barriers they feel there are to reporting and what changes they feel need to be made to support victims.

“This information will be invaluable in planning how we can tackle hate crime in Essex and where we need to take action and prioritise our resources. Please take the time to have your say.”

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Hate Crime is a deeply personal and impactful crime which can have destructive and lasting impact on victims.

“There is already good work happening in Essex to prevent and detect hate crime and to provide support to victims. However, it is important that we fully understand what hate crime looks and feels like to local people so that we can best tailor our responses.

“I encourage everyone to complete this survey to help us better deal with hate crime to minimise the number of incidents and ensure that hate crime victims receive the help they need.”

The survey is open until 18 February 2024 and can be completed online.