Hate Crime: The UK Journey Craig Barnes Craig.Barnes@geo.gov.uk

Background The Government Equalities Office works to take action on the government’s commitment to remove barriers to equality and help to build a fairer society. Specific responsibility for LGB&T equality policy. Work across government to see where LGB&T needs can be better addressed. Regular engagement with key LGB&T stakeholders. LGB&T groups told us that action should be focussed on preventing and tackling hate crime and homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools.

Hate crime – how did we get here? Civil Disorder 1980s and 2001 Stephen Lawrence 1993 London Johnny Delaney 2003 Cheshire Anthony Walker 2005 Merseyside Jody Dobrowski 2005 London Sophie Lancaster 2007 Lancashire

What is a hate crime? The UK stance Criminal Justice System definition: “In the absence of a precise legal definition of hostility, let us consider dictionary definitions including 'unfriendliness', 'antagonism' and 'meanness’ ” – Director of Public Prosecutions, October 2008 Human rights approach adopted Stephen Lawrence Inquiry definition: Importance of ‘perception’. Importance of Non-crime incidents. Strands of ‘Monitored’ Hate Crime Disability, Race, Religion, Sexual Orientation and Transgender

Why is hate crime important? Has a greater impact on the victim Affects wider community Has an impact on community cohesion Affects confidence in the police and others Effective response prevents escalation in seriousness Legal duties It is a government priority - particularly under-reporting

Victim experiences How good are the UK? Victims more likely to experience again: Household crime (36-27%) Personal crime (26-21%) Low police satisfaction levels (53-72%) Respect (76-88%) Fairness (59-80%) Impact Greater emotional impact: 94-82% emotionally affected Anger (61-57%) Fear (39-15%) Anxiety/panic attacks (22-9%) Depression (24-8%)

Legislative tools Incitement to hatred Race Religion Sexual Orientation Racially and Religiously Motivated Offences Limited Creates unintended hierarchy Enhanced Sentencing Section 145 and 146 Criminal Justice Act 2003 Racially and Religiously Aggravated Offences Law Commission Review

Operational guidance

True Vision Purpose Library of resources include: provides information to victims, professionals and advocates provides a library of (free!) resources allows online reporting (inc. anonymously) Library of resources include: information packs reporting tools third party reporting support training materials education packs 10,000 visitors per month - 7 pages 3,400 reports per year

True Vision www.report-it.org.uk

Government Equalities Office Contact Craig Barnes LGB&T Policy Adviser Craig.Barnes@geo.gov.uk Useful links Government Equalities Office www.gov.uk/geo Home Office www.gov.uk/homeoffice True Vision www.report-it.org.uk