Salix Homes shows its commitment to tackling hate crime in Salford

Salix Homes has become one of first nine organisations to successfully complete the Manchester Community Safety Partnership’s Third Party Reporting Centre refresher training.

The training demonstrates the Salford-based housing association’s commitment to raising awareness of hate crime, providing support to victims and witnesses and working towards prevention.

Claire Taylor, community safety manager at Salix Homes was presented with the certificate by Councillor David Lancaster and Inspector Bev Catterall at the Raising Awareness of Hate Crime event.

The event, held during Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week 2020 (3-9 February), was by Salford Council, Salford CVS and Greater Manchester Police.

Claire said: “Victims and witnesses of hate crimes sometimes don’t feel comfortable reporting incidents directly to the police. The role of third-party reporting centres is to provide a safe environment for people to report the crimes.”

A hate crime is any criminal event that is motivated by prejudice towards the victim’s disability, race, religion, alternative subculture, sexual orientation or transgender identity. It can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment and assault.

Claire added “It’s thought that 75% of hate crimes aren’t being reported. Some people might feel that what they’ve experienced isn’t worth reporting, but each time someone comes forward, it can help stop it from happening to someone else.”

Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes said “This certificate shows that we havesigned up to a set of standardsset by Greater Manchester Community Safety Partnership, and that we take tackling hate crime seriously. We want everyone to feel safe and secure in their own home and community. If anyone is experiencing hate crime or any other type of anti-social behaviour, then I encourage them to report it to us so we can help put a stop to it.”