FAITH HATE CRIME

Following the recent terror attacks in London, there has been a large rise in reported cases of faith hate crime. In the three weeks following 7th July, 269 religious hate crimes were reported. This compares to 40 for the same period in 2004. This has especially impacted on the Muslim communities. Whilst most of the cases reported were verbal abuse and minor assaults, the effect on the individual can be devastating. This in turn can leave communities feeling isolated and vulnerable. It is vitally important that faith hate crimes are reported to the Police. This can be done at people's local Police stations or online at www.police.uk .

In London, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), the Metropolitan Police Authority and the Mayor's Office have set up an advice line to offer support and reassurance to Londoners who feel vulnerable. It is especially hoped that it will be used by members of communities who believe they are being targeted by faith hate crime. The free phone number is 0800 028 2390.

The problem of faith hate crime is not confined to London. For those who have or are now suffering such abuse, there are organisations that can offer support. I have listed overleaf, the organisations that have been cited on a leaflet distributed by the Metropolitan Police and hope this information can be of assistance.

Yours sincerely,

B. CROW
General Secretary

Victim Support
www.victimsupport.org
0845 30 30 900

Fair Forum Against Islamophobia and Racism
www.fairuk.org

Muslim Safety Forum - Muslim line
020 8840 4840

Sikh Secretariat
www.sikh-secretariat.com/sikh_incident_form.htm

Hindu Forum Britain
www.hinduforum.org
020 8965 0671
07973668892

Commission for Racial Equality
www.cre.gov.uk
020 7939 0178

The Community Security Trust (for members of the Jewish community)
www.thecst.org.uk
020 8457 9999